ENG-1992 — Page 216

HOUSING

was formulated and a five-year improvement programme was drawn up for the upgrading of some 30 selected centres.

Clearance

During the year, 213 hectares of land were cleared for development. Around 11 330 people affected were given permanent rehousing and 3 690 given temporary rehousing. Some 520 industrial, commercial and agricultural undertakings affected by clearances were awarded ex-gratia allowances.

The year also marked the completion of the clearance programme for all the potentially hazardous slopes in the urban areas which began six years ago. About 58 000 squatters were cleared under this programme.

A total of 2 860 people who became homeless as a result of fires and landslips were provided with either permanent or temporary accommodation.

Temporary Housing

Temporary Housing Areas (THAS) are provided for people made homeless by squatter clearances, fire and other natural disasters, but who are not immediately eligible for permanent public housing.

The one-storey or two-storey houses are built of wooden materials, and are partitioned into different sizes to suit requirements. Each unit is provided with electricity and metered water supply and a kitchen and shower area.

During the year, 9 200 persons were given temporary housing. At the same time 10 800 people moved from THAS to permanent public housing through the waiting list, trawling and clearance, or to their own homes purchased under the Home Ownership Scheme or the Home Purchase Loan Scheme in which they had priority.

At the end of the year, there were 55 THAs in the territory housing 65 000 people. Due to reduced demand, construction of new houses has been discontinued.

Transit Centres

There are eight transit centres in the territory with a capacity for 1 300 persons. They provide immediate shelter for persons made homeless by fires or natural disasters.

Cottage Areas

There are six cottage areas, accommodating 9 900 people. The largest, Tiu Keng Leng Cottage Area at Tseung Kwan O, housing some 5 600 people, will soon be cleared.

Squatter Control

The 1982 squatter structure survey provides a baseline for control of new squatting on government land and private agricultural land. Squatter control is carried out by daily patrols and regular hut-to-hut checks, and good control has been maintained.

The squatter population has been reduced to 45 851 in the urban area and 227 978 in the New Territories, as a result of rehousing through clearance and the Waiting List.

Squatter Area Improvements

The Housing Authority continues to undertake repairs and maintenance of services and facilities provided under the squatter area improvement programme. It is also responsible

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