ENG-2004 — Page 547

History | 477

railway networks are being expanded, and a new international airport has been in operation at Chek Lap Kok since 1998. Accommodating about 46 per cent of Hong Kong's population, the nine new towns in the New Territories have eased the pressure on developable land in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. Current and planned projects would continue to spur the economy, creating job opportunities and enhancing the environment for the community.

The development of Hong Kong's economic base has enabled the public sector to increase spending on housing, education, social welfare and health over the years

from $78.9 billion in 1994-95 to an estimated $152.5 billion in 2004-05.

Hong Kong's public housing programme started with an emergency measure to rehouse some 53 000 people made homeless overnight in a squatter fire on Christmas Day 1953. It has developed into a comprehensive programme that encompasses a wide range of rental and home ownership scheme flats with self- contained facilities.

The programme is in line with the Government's policy objectives to reduce the number of inadequately housed people, to help households gain access to affordable housing and to encourage home ownership in the community. The Hong Kong Housing Authority has primary responsibility for this programme. More than half of Hong Kong's families live in accommodation that they own.

The Government has been investing heavily in education to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in a knowledge-based and globalised economy. Free and compulsory primary and junior secondary education is provided to every student up to the age of 15 years. Senior secondary and tertiary education is also heavily subsidised and it is a government policy that no one is deprived of education for lack of financial means. All Secondary 3 students from public sector schools who are able and willing to continue with their studies may receive subsidised Secondary 4 education or vocational training.

The Government and non-governmental organisations have made major social welfare advances in the past decade, with expenditure increasing from $8.787 billion in 1993-94 to $33.715 billion in 2004-05. At the same time, social services have developed from providing emergency relief into today's diversified and comprehensive network.

Hong Kong's public and private health care service providers complement each other and together provide comprehensive health care of a high standard to the community. This is demonstrated by Hong Kong's major health indicators such as life expectancy at birth and infant mortality rate, which are now among the best in the world. Other important factors have been improvements in socio-economic conditions, education, housing, sanitation and nutrition and the introduction of a comprehensive childhood immunisation programme. With a high polio immunisation rate, coupled with a high level of vigilance, Hong Kong was certified polio-free in 2000.