ENG-1995 — Page 237

HOUSING

Under the CARE (Condition, Appraisal, Repair and Examination) programme launched in June 1992, properties are surveyed every six years with necessary main- tenance works implemented accordingly.

Some of the authority's older estates have problems with concrete breaking up. A special repair programme plans to speed up their repair on a flat-by-flat basis. The first survey programme has been completed and repair works have been carried out on 15 500 flats.

Refurbishment of vacant flats continued during the year with 12 087 flats refur- bished for reletting. At the same time, 19 shopping centres were at various stages of upgrading. Programmes for modernisation of lifts and conversion of the existing fire service dry riser to a wet riser system were in full swing. So far, 164 lifts have been replaced and conversion of dry risers for 95 blocks had been completed.

Under an on-going electrical reinforcement and rewiring programme, 18 blocks were rewired and 81 blocks electrically reinforced during the year costing $59 million and $82 million, respectively. A life-cycle concept in the planning of electrical rewiring has been developed, under which each building will be rewired every 15 to 20 years.

A security package is being installed in Harmony and Trident blocks. This includes a tower guard, security gates at all entrances, a telephone entry system, and CCTV inside lift cars as well as at main entrances. Installation works on 155 blocks have been completed. The improvement works for some 1 000 rental blocks will be com- pleted by the end of 1997.

Initiatives to enhance maintenance service to tenants have been introduced, including a computer-based maintenance information system, day-to-day repair system, water pump replacement and provision of cable TV. A new maintenance information system was implemented in April 1995. It provides tenants with a faster and more efficient day-to-day maintenance and repair service, and allows main- tenance works to be planned more effectively.

Old water pumps are being replaced with new stainless steel ones. Seven pump rooms have already been completed and preparatory work is in progress for 12 estates with 51 pump rooms. Galvanised iron pipes are also being phased out to ensure better fresh water quality in housing estates. Trial schemes have been carried out under the CARE programme to use non-ferrous piping materials for refurbish- ment projects.

Squatter Control

The squatter population has been reduced to 29 500 in the urban area and to 217 500 in the New Territories as a result of rehousing. The 1982 squatter structure survey provides a baseline for control of new squatting on government land and private agricultural land. Squatter control is maintained by carrying out daily patrols and regular hut-to-hut checks.

Meanwhile, the Housing Authority repairs and maintains the facilities in existing squatter areas. In the event of fire and natural disasters, squatter control staff attend the scene and provide transit accommodation for victims rendered homeless. Eligible households will be offered rehousing accordingly. A total of 1 300 people who lost their homes as a result of fires or other natural disasters were given either permanent or temporary housing in 1995.

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