ENG-1985 — Page 194

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HOUSING

vehicle; and the introduction of some offences and provisions based on the Road Traffic (Parking) Regulations.

Estate management staff continued to take vigorous action against illegal hawking activities inside housing estates. A special major operations team consisting of 100 workers was formed in the year to bring black spots under better control.

Temporary Housing

During the year, 17 500 people were rehoused in Temporary Housing Areas (THAs) managed by the Housing Department. The majority were people affected by development clearances or victims of natural disasters who were not immediately qualified for perma- nent public housing.

Tenants moved into the first of the 'full-built' temporary housing units in Mui Wo on Lantau Island and Kwai Fuk in Tsuen Wan. These full-built THAs were constructed of more substantial materials and provided a much improved living environment.

The Housing Authority agreed in early 1985 that a start should be made on providing permanent housing for single persons and two-member households with priority given to those living in THAS. During the year, 540 single persons and 400 two-member households moved from THAs into permanent housing. In parallel with the provision of permanent housing for single persons, a start has also been made on providing individual units for single persons in THAS. This gives more space and privacy and dispenses with the need to provide hostel-type accommodation.

A free water supply has been provided in THAS built before 1982, with water charges borne by the Housing Department. To curb water wastage, reduce expenditure and bring the situation in line with the practice in new THAs, a programme was drawn up to introduce an individual metered water supply to 25 of the older THAS. So far, one THA has been metered, and the programme will be completed by mid-1986.

In May, the Housing Authority adopted a new policy concerning additions of persons to THA households. The policy set out stricter criteria, and was brought in line with that in force in public housing estates.

During the year, 18 500 temporary housing residents moved into permanent public housing mainly through clearance or through the waiting list. At the end of the year, 123 000 people were living in 47 THAS and development of 10 new THAs was underway.

Transit Centres

There are nine transit centres in the territory providing immediate shelter for people made homeless by natural disasters. The transit centre at Kai Cheung was expanded during the year, bringing the total capacity of transit centres to over 5 100 people.

Cottage Areas

The programme to provide individual metered water supply to cottage areas continued in 1985 and four more areas were receiving metered supply. At the end of the year, 13 000 people were living in nine cottage areas.

Squatter Control

The Squatter Control Division of the Housing Department operates a system of daily patrols to detect new squatting. Full control over squatting has been maintained with racketeering - the construction of squatter huts for sale - effectively suppressed and 14 400 illegal structures or extensions demolished in 1985.