HOUSING
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conditions for some 103 441 families. Over the next five years, another 246 older blocks will be redeveloped.
An Advance Allocation System to offer more choices to the tenants affected by the Comprehensive Redevelopment Programme was piloted in the redevelopment of Chai Wan Estate Phase 2 in January 1996. Under the scheme, reception flats earmarked for the exercise were open for selection by tenants and the priority of flat selection was determined by a ballot. The scheme was well received by tenants.
Estate Management
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The Housing Authority has gradually introduced private agents to enhance the quality of management service in public rental housing. A trial scheme to contract out estate management services in three new public rental estates Ming Tak, Hing Tung and Ping Tin - has been carried out in 1996.
Following a successful trial in four estates in mid-1994, the Customer Service Assistant (CSA) Scheme has been extended to all public rental estates. The CSAs record requests and complaints from tenants and refer matters to appropriate estate officers for action. Tenants will be informed of the time for repairs.
The Estate Management Advisory Committee Scheme (EMAC) is being extended to other estates following its successful trial in eight pilot estates in 1995. It aims to increase tenants' participation in estate management, enhance communication between tenants and the management, and improve service standards. So far, 89 committees have been set up. The scheme will be fully implemented in all public housing estates by the end of 1997.
The Housing Department has launched a security upgrading programme to provide 24-hour security guard service and security installation to all existing rental blocks of Harmony and Trident series and new blocks under construction. It is anticipated that the whole improvement programme will be completed in 1997. The system will allow tenants to speak to and see visitors over their own telephone and television screens. At the same time, estate staff will also be able to monitor the estate through a comprehensive network of closed-circuit television (CCTV) connected to a central control room in each estate. In addition, night patrol guard and CCTV services are provided to housing blocks without entrance gates and blocks without lift service.
A package of measures to enhance the management and living environment of interim housing areas have been implemented. These include more regular cleansing of open areas, surface channels and toilets; speeding up repair services and enhancing communication between the management and the residents.
Welfare Services
Some 1 158 welfare premises in Housing Authority's estates and courts are let for welfare and community services at a concessionary rent of $33 per square metre a month. Non-domestic premises in less-popular locations are let at a fair market rate to community organisations. The authority also undertakes fitting-out works for welfare projects and 133 projects were fitted out in 1996.
The Estate Liaison Officers Scheme, providing outreaching services to elderly public housing tenants, has been expanded. Housing management staff visit the elderly, offer assistance and encourage them to take part in various community
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