ENG-1988 — Page 222

HOUSING

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other natural disasters. These people will be eventually rehoused in permanent or temporary housing, according to their eligibility.

Cottage Areas

There were seven remaining cottage areas scattered throughout the territory, providing accommodation for 10 400 people. The largest, the Rennie's Mill Village Area at Junk Bay, houses 5 600 people:

Squatter Control

A total of 10 000 new structures or extensions to existing structures were demolished during the year on undeveloped government land and leased agricultural land. More than half of these structures or extensions were demolished while they were being built. This was achieved by means of daily patrols by teams comprising a housing assistant and two to six workmen equipped with demolition tools. In addition, squatter control staff also assisted the Environmental Protection Department in implementing the Livestock Waste Control Scheme by demolishing livestock-related structures in banned areas.

The squatter population decreased from 408 000 to 377 000 over the year as a result of clearances, natural disasters and rehousing through various channels. As a further step in preventing the growth of the population, those squatters rehoused through the waiting list or purchase of flats under the Home Ownership Scheme or Home Purchase Loan Scheme must surrender their vacated huts for demolition or freezing action.

Improvement to Squatter Areas

The Squatter Area Improvement Programme is aimed at safety and at providing basic services in squatter areas not yet due for clearance and redevelopment for a minimum of three or four years. This programme was initially intended to last for five years from its inception in 1983. However, as it has been very well received, it is being extended for another two years to conclude in about 1989–90. When the whole programme is completed, the benefits will have reached 120 000 squatters, mainly in the urban area and Tsuen Wan. During the year, 13 projects were completed, bringing the total to 64 since 1983. In addition, 203 street lights were installed in 17 squatter areas not included in the improve- ment programme. The Housing Department assumes the responsibility for management and maintenance of services provided under the programme.

Squatter Clearance

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During the year, 320 hectares of land were cleared for development, resulting in 14 500 people being allocated permanent housing and 13 500 temporary housing. Some 1 100 industrial, commercial and agricultural undertakings affected by clearances were given ex-gratia allowances. In addition, 3 500 people rendered homeless as a result of fires and landslips were provided with permanent or temporary housing.

Kowloon Walled City Clearance

The Walled City covers an area of 2.7 hectares and encompasses some 30 000 people and 930 commercial undertakings. Since the announcement by the government on January 14, 1987, of the clearance of the Walled City, good progress has been made. The clearance is being undertaken in four phases by the Special Duties Office.

Phase I is in an advanced stage and about 8 000 people affected in that phase will move out by mid-1989. The whole clearance programme is expected to be completed in mid-1991.