ENG-1986 — Page 196

HOUSING

Squatter Control

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The Squatter Control Division of the Housing Department operates a system of daily patrols to deter new squatting. Full control over squatting has been maintained. Racketeer- ing in the form of the construction of squatter huts for sale has been effectively suppressed. In 1986, 13 700 illegal structures or extensions were demolished. The results of a squatter occupancy survey completed in September 1985 have been computerised for planning and control purposes. This survey has now become an additional eligibility criterion for rehousing squatters. This additional condition will prevent queue jumping by unscrupulous squatters for public housing.

The number of squatters moving to permanent public housing through the general waiting list increased during the year, with 2 400 families successfully obtaining rental flats. More squatters are encouraged to register on the list.

Improvement to Squatter Areas

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Since the Squatter Area Improvement Division was formed in 1982, a total of 38 im- provement projects have been carried out in squatter settlements in the urban area, in- cluding Tsuen Wan, and 17 more are being put into effect. During 1986, efforts continued to be placed on squatter areas which have over 500 residents and which will not be cleared for three years. In addition to the safety and environmental improvements gen- erally effected in squatter areas, a stepped-up programme was started to install 600 street lights in 40 smaller squatter areas. A total of 285 street lights installed in other squatter areas by District Boards have been taken over by the division for management and maintenance.

A pilot scheme for improvements in squatter areas in the New Territories has begun. The result will be examined to determine the practicability and cost effectiveness, of extending the squatter improvement scheme to the New Territories.

Clearance

During the year, 470 hectares of land were cleared for development. This resulted in 19 400 people being given permanent housing and 17 200 being given temporary housing. Some 1 530 industrial, commercial and agricultural undertakings affected by clearances were awarded ex-gratia allowances. A total of 4 600 people who became homeless as a result of fires and landslips were provided with either permanent or temporary accommodation.

Management of Private Residential Buildings in Multiple Ownership Privately owned buildings constitute more than half of the territory's housing stock and accommodate about half of the population. Most of these buildings are high-rise blocks which are held by a number of owners who may or may not be residents of the building.

The nature of ownership of these buildings, combined with other factors, has resulted in a situation over the years where the management of some private properties has deteriorated.

Although the management of privately owned buildings is the responsibility of property owners, the consequences of consistent neglect are of serious concern to the government.

The government is, therefore, taking steps to provide assistance to private management bodies in order to stimulate a more effective, self-help process among property owners and tenants. The nature of this assistance is both legislative and administrative.

Work is in hand to amend the Multi-Storey Buildings (Owners Incorporation) Ordinance to make it easier to form owners' corporations. Such corporations act in the interests of

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