ENG-1995 — Page 235

HOUSING

new town is near Hong Kong's new international airport, being built at Chek Lap Kok.

Redevelopment

Redevelopment projects are in progress at Tsz Wan Shan Estate, Lam Tin, Sau Mau Ping and Ko Chiu Road. Work began in August on the redevelopment of Kwai Chung Estate and the demolition of old blocks nearby at Shek Yam and Lei Muk Shue Estate. The development will improve the environment in both estates for 32 400 people. Another project at Shek Lei, which includes the construction of a major new commercial centre, will rehouse 26 500 people over the next eight years.

Since the launching of the Comprehensive Redevelopment Programme in 1988, 282 housing blocks in older estates have been redeveloped, improving the living con- ditions for some 91 300 families. Over the next five years, another 164 older blocks will be redeveloped.

Quality Assurance

All contractors working for the Housing Authority must meet the latest ISO 9000 quality standards. All of the 87 contractors on the authority's list of building contractors are certified to ISO 9002. The requirement for certification has been extended to building services contractors. By January 1995, 12 electrical contractors and nine lift and escalator contractors had obtained certification. Air-conditioning, fire services and water pump contractors on the authority's lists all obtained certification in October 1995. The authority will require all active listed consultants to obtain certification by April 1996.

Estate Management

The Housing Authority will gradually introduce privatisation to improve the quality of estate management in public rental housing. A pilot scheme will be carried out in selected estates in 1996.

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Following a successful trial in four estates in mid-1994, the Customer Service Assistant (CSA) Scheme will be extended to all public rental estates by April 1996. So far, 29 estates have been provided with CSAs who register tenants' complaints and requests, and refer matters to appropriate estate officers for action.

In April, the Estate Management Advisory Committee Scheme was launched to encourage tenants' participation in estate management. The committee advises the Housing Manager on day-to-day management matters, and has funds to implement minor improvement works and to organise community activities in estates. So far, eight committees have been formed. The scheme will cover all public housing estates by 1997.

The Housing Department has launched a programme to improve security facilities in all estates. Tenants will be able to speak to and see visitors over their own tele- phones and television screens. Staff will also be able to monitor estates through a comprehensive network of closed-circuit television (CCTV) connected to a central control room in each estate.

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