Tag Archives: China

     Following is a question by the Hon Helena Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, in the Legislative Council today (June 3):
 
Question:
 
     Some public rental housing (PRH) residents residing in Ma Tau Wai Estate, Oi Man Estate, Chun Seen Mei Chuen and Lok Man Sun Chuen of Kowloon City have relayed to me that as quite a number of PRH buildings in Kowloon West are over 40 years of age and are dilapidated, they are very concerned about the structural safety of such buildings. Besides, the Chief Executive stated in the 2018 Policy Address that the Government would firmly support the Hong Kong Settlers Housing Corporation Limited in taking forward the redevelopment project of Tai Hang Sai (THS) Estate, a private rental housing estate under THS, as soon as possible with a view to improving facilities of the estate and increasing housing supply. Regarding the maintenance and redevelopment of rental housing estates, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given that the first cycle of the Comprehensive Structural Investigation Programme (CSIP) conducted by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) on selected aged public housing estates (PHEs) was completed in 2018, of the following information on each of the estates for which the structural investigation as well as the required repair and structural strengthening works have been completed (set out in a table):
 
(i) name of the estate,
(ii) number of flats in the estate,
(iii) date of completion of the estate,
(iv) commencement year of the investigation,
(v) completion year of the investigation,
(vi) scope of the repair and structural strengthening works (i.e. (a) concrete repair, (b) seepage repair, (c) structural strengthening, and (d) structural improvement),
(vii) actual expenditure on the repair and structural strengthening works for each flat on average, and
(viii) average annual maintenance expenditure on each flat after the completion of the required repair and structural strengthening works;
 
(2) given that HA commenced in 2018 the second cycle of CSIP, which comprised 38 estates the investigation of which was completed under the first cycle of CSIP and which were awaiting re-examination, six factory estates and 33 other estates, of the following information of the second cycle of CSIP:
 
(i) the name of each of those estates the investigation for which has been completed but the repair and structural strengthening works have not been completed, as well as the latest progress and the expected completion date of such works,
(ii) the name of each of those estates the investigation for which is in progress, and the expected completion date of the investigation, and
(iii) the name of each of those estates the investigation for which has not yet commenced, and the expected commencement date of the investigation;
 
(3) given that some residents are worried that aged PRH buildings will be ageing and their conditions will deteriorate more quickly and drastically, whether HA will consider shortening the cycle for conducting comprehensive structural investigation for aged estates from the existing cycle of once every 15 years to once every 10 years, so as to align it with the cycle for conducting building inspection for aged private buildings by owners as required by the Buildings Department; if not, of the reasons for that;
 
(4) of the details of the redevelopment projects for PHEs which are being redeveloped or have been planned for redevelopment (including Tung Tau Estate Block 22, Pak Tin Estate and Mei Tung Estate):
 
(i) name of the estate,
(ii) number of flats before redevelopment,
(iii) rehousing arrangements for affected households (including details of the reception estates accommodating these households),
(iv) the way in which the estate is being/will be redeveloped,
(v) number of flats after redevelopment, and
(vi) expected completion date;
 
(5) of the details (including the timetables) of the redevelopment projects for HA’s estates in Kowloon West that are approaching or over 40 years of age (e.g. Ma Tau Wai Estate, Oi Man Estate, Nam Shan Estate, Lai Kok Estate, Chak On Estate, Tai Hang Tung Estate and Shek Kip Mei Estate (for the remaining 9 blocks)); if redevelopment projects have not been contemplated, of the details of the strengthening and improvement works to be carried out; whether it will consider formulating a rolling programme for large scale redevelopment of aged estates so as to facilitate the smooth and orderly implementation of the redevelopment projects;
 
(6) whether it knows the details (including the timetables) of the redevelopment projects for the estates in Kowloon West under the Hong Kong Housing Society that are over 40 years of age (e.g. Chun Seen Mei Chuen and Lok Man Sun Chuen); and
 
(7) given that the validity period of the planning permission granted by the Town Planning Board for the redevelopment of THS Estate will expire by the end of June this year, whether it knows the progress of the redevelopment project for this estate and the rehousing arrangements for the affected tenants?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Long Term Housing Strategy (LTHS) published in 2014 has indicated that while redevelopment of aged public rental housing (PRH) estates may increase PRH supply over the long term, it will, in the short term, reduce PRH stock available for allocation. This will inevitably add further pressure on the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA)’s target in maintaining the average waiting time (AWT) at about three years. With the persistently strong demand for PRH, a massive redevelopment programme will freeze a large number of PRH units that may otherwise be allocated to households in need, causing an instant adverse effect on the AWT. Hence, it is not a desirable option.
 
     Based on the directions set out in the LTHS, the HA will consider whether to redevelop individual PRH estates prudently by taking into account the actual circumstances according to the four basic principles, namely, structural conditions of buildings, cost-effectiveness of repair works, availability of suitable rehousing resources in the vicinity of the estates to be redeveloped and build-back potential upon redevelopment, under HA’s “Refined Policy on Redevelopment of Aged Public Rental Housing Estates” formulated in 2011. In the last decade, the HA conducted redevelopment projects for 15 PRH estates, and is conducting redevelopment programme in Pak Tin Estate (older part) and Mei Tung Estates (older part).
 
     My reply to the question raised by the Dr Hon Helena Wong is as follows:
 
(1) The HA launched the Comprehensive Structural Investigation Programme (CSIP) in 2005 to ascertain the structural safety of PRH estates with buildings approaching or over 40 years old, with a view to assessing the repair works needed for sustaining these estates for 15 years or above and their cost-effectiveness. Under the first round of CSIP, investigation of 42 PRH estates was completed in 2018. The number of PRH units involved in estates with structural investigations completed (note) is about 166 500. The relevant cost of works is about $1.1655 billion, which is equivalent to about $7,000 per unit on average.　Information of these estates is set out in Annex 1.
 
     Details of repair works for PRH buildings and the corresponding expenditure are affected by various factors. Apart from the building age, they also depend on the building design, structural condition, location, maintenance status as well as other site conditions, etc. Hence, it is not suitable to compare the repair expenditure solely by building age. After the completion of the necessary structural repairs and strengthening works, the maintenance expenditure of the above-mentioned 38 PRH estates in 2019-20 was around $750 million, which is equivalent to about $4,500 per unit on average.
 
(2) The HA is conducting the second round of CSIP. PRH estates with investigation completed include Wah Fu Estate, Lai Kok Estate and Shui Pin Wai Estate. The HA is preparing the structural repairs and improvement works required for these estates and will formulate detailed works programme shortly. The PRH estates currently under investigation include Sai Wan Estate, Choi Hung Estate, Kai Yip Estate, Choi Yuen Estate and Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate. The investigations are estimated to be completed within this year.
 
     The HA will continue to conduct detailed investigation for buildings aged at about 40 or above, and plans to conduct structural investigations for Wo Lok Estate, Model Housing Estate, Ping Shek Estate, Ma Tau Wai Estate, Fuk Loi Estate, Mei Lam Estate, Hing Man Estate, Chak On Estate and Shun Tin Estate in the next two years. As for the other estates, currently there is no confirmed investigation timetable.
 
(3) In addition to implementing the CSIP, the HA has also implemented other measures and programmes to improve the building conditions of PRH estates, such as the Estate Improvement Programme to optimise recreational facilities, common areas and the landscape; the Total Maintenance Scheme to provide in-flat inspection and maintenance services; the Responsive In-flat Maintenance Services to provide timely indoor maintenance services to tenants, etc. Therefore, we consider that the prevailing 15-year investigation cycle is a suitable arrangement.
 
(4) Information of PRH estates under redevelopment or with planned redevelopment (including the estates for receiving affected tenants for rehousing) is set out in Annex 2. The information does not include Tung Tau Estate Block 22 (also known as Tung Tau Estate Phase 8) as the redevelopment programme has already been completed in 2019-20. The HA will provide adequate rehousing resources to the PRH tenants affected by redevelopment projects. Major arrangements include:
 
(i) allowing affected tenants to move out early such that they can be rehoused to refurbished units in the district of their choice, or units in new estates which are expected to be ready for intake;
 
(ii) setting up major reception estates so that affected tenants can move to these estates when they are completed and ready for intake; and
 
(iii) allowing affected tenants who wish to purchase Subsidised Sale Flats (SSF) in lieu of PRH be accorded priority in flat selection in the SSF sale exercise(s) launched before the target clearance date.
 
(5) Apart from the redevelopment programme of Pak Tin Estate (older part) and Mei Tung Estates (older part) that are currently being implemented by the HA, the Government also announced its intention to redevelop Wah Fu Estate in 2014. As for other aged estates, their building conditions are structurally safe as of now and there is no need for redevelopment. The HA will continue to implement various programmes and measures to maintain and improve the building conditions so as to provide residents with a safe and suitable living environment.
 
(6) The Government announced on June 29, 2018 the reallocation of nine sites at Kai Tak and Anderson Road Quarry, which were originally intended for sale in the coming few years, for public housing. One of the sites in Kai Tak would be allocated to the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) for the redevelopment of Chun Seen Mei Chuen and other rehousing purposes. The HKHS can then make use of the original site of Chun Seen Mei Chuen to redevelop Lok Man Sun Chuen by phases. The HKHS is now formulating details of the redevelopment programmes of Chun Seen Mei Chuen and Lok Man Sun Chuen.
 
(7) Tai Hang Sai Estate (THSE) was built and has been managed by the Hong Kong Settlers Housing Corporation Limited (HKSHCL) for the purpose of providing rental flats for low-income families. HKSHCL is planning to redevelop THSE at its original site by phases. Regarding the planning approval in relation to the redevelopment of THSE, the Director of Planning, under the delegated authority of the Town Planning Board and in accordance with the Town Planning Ordinance, approved on April 6, 2020 HKSHCL’s application for extension of time for commencing the development. The planning approval is valid until June 24, 2024.
 
     The Government will continue to keep in view the progress of the redevelopment project. We will also support HKSHCL in taking forward the redevelopment project as soon as possible and provide required assistance as far as practicable, with a view to improving estate facilities and increasing housing supply at the site concerned, on the premise that it will make proper rehousing arrangement for its tenants.
 
Note: As four PRH estates are confirmed to be redeveloped, only 38 PRH estates are included. read more

     A spokesperson for the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) said today (June 3) that the $150 million Arts and Culture Sector Subsidy Scheme, which was established under the Anti-epidemic Fund, has continued to disburse subsidies to … read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Tony Tse and a written reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, in the Legislative Council today (June 3): Question:      The second-round relief measures … read more

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 is 108.3 (down 0.3 against yesterday’s index). read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Alice Mak and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, in the Legislative Council today (June 3):

Question:
 
     To take forward the Wang Chau public housing development (Phase 1) in Yuen Long, the Government needs to carry out land resumption work at three villages (i.e. Wing Ning Tsuen, Fung Chi Tsuen and Yeung Uk San Tsuen). Some affected villagers have sought my assistance, saying that while they have been informed by the Government that land resumption will be carried out in mid-July this year, the relevant compensation, rehousing and rehabilitation arrangements have not yet been properly handled. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of households in the aforesaid three villages who have not been rehoused and the reasons for that; whether it will expedite the relevant work, including properly rehousing residents who have not been allocated public rental housing units;
 
(2) of the number of villagers in the three villages who have applied for rehabilitation and, among them, the number of those whose eligibility has been verified; whether it will expedite the relevant work; and
 
(3) whether the Government can undertake that it will complete the compensation and rehousing work for all registered households in the three villages before carrying out the land resumption work in mid-July; how the Government will deal with those households who have not moved out when it carries out the land resumption work?

Reply:
 
President,
 
     Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Alice Mak is as follows:
 
     The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved the funding for the site formation and infrastructure works for the project of Wang Chau Public Housing Development Phase 1 in March 2020. Subsequently, the Lands Department (LandsD) posted notices on April 15, 2020 in accordance with the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, notifying households and other occupants within the works area to leave structures and government land being occupied by them before July 15, 2020. According to the pre-clearance survey conducted by the LandsD on October 30, 2015, a total of 250 households (including cases of split households) were affected by the Wang Chau housing project.
 
     According to the information provided by the LandsD, 126 eligible households have been rehoused and 14 eligible households were being allocated with rehousing flats as at mid-May 2020. Another 30 households have opted not for rehousing but for applying ex-gratia allowances for permitted occupiers, of which 25 households have been verified to be eligible for the allowances, while the remaining five households have yet submitted the necessary information for eligibility vetting, despite repeated invitations by the LandsD. The remaining 80 households were found not eligible for rehousing due to reasons including the households owning residential properties in Hong Kong; the structures occupied by the households being unauthorised structures (including structures that were not registered in the 1982 Squatter Structure Survey and structures that were not licensed) and households being existing tenants of public rental housing or enjoying or have once enjoyed benefits under subsidised home ownership schemes or related benefits. Among these households, 14 households have moved out and 15 households are applying for agricultural resite with their identity as farmers with the LandsD. All households covered in the pre-clearance survey will be offered a domestic removal allowance, irrespective of their eligibility for rehousing and compensation. Generally speaking, the Government has to ensure reasonable and equitable use of public resources while taking care of the households affected by any development clearance. The LandsD will, in collaboration with relevant departments, continue to adopt a “people-oriented” approach and offer appropriate assistance to those in need as far as practicable. For example, the LandsD will, with consent from the relevant persons, refer cases with personal or family welfare needs to the Social Welfare Department for follow-up, explore with the clients the use of other feasible means to resolve their housing needs, and consider recommending compassionate rehousing for cases who, owing to their social and medical needs under specific circumstances, have no other feasible means to solve their housing needs.
 
     For the affected farmers, if they lived in a surveyed squatter or a licensed structure affected by the works when the pre-clearance survey was conducted, they may apply for agricultural resite with the LandsD in respect of their structures affected, so that they can build a house and continue farming on private agricultural land they have secured elsewhere. When processing resite applications, the LandsD will consult the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and relevant departments. After confirming the applicants’ eligibility and feasibility of their farming proposals, the LandsD will, subject to no objections from departments concerned, consider issuing the land owners a short-term waiver, allowing the construction of a domestic structure of prescribed dimensions (consisting of two storeys, with a maximum height of 5.18 metres/17 feet, and a maximum roofed-over area of 37.16 square metres/400 square feet) on the private agricultural land. Farmers with agricultural resite applications approved are not entitled to any other rehousing arrangements.
 
     As for the agricultural resite arrangements, according to the record of the LandsD, 37 applications were received as at mid-May 2020. Among them, three applications have been withdrawn by the applicants, while one application was rejected since the applicant has been rehoused. The LandsD is processing the remaining 33 applications, and inspecting the applicants’ farming operations and considering the submitted information together with the AFCD. The farmer status of four applicants has been preliminarily confirmed. Among these four applicants, the AFCD has accepted the proposal on continuing farming operations submitted by one of them and the LandsD is now processing the corresponding application for a short-term waiver. The LandsD has also written to the other three applicants requesting the submission of proposals on continuing farming operations. After inspections by the LandsD and AFCD, the LandsD is reviewing another 16 applications and is awaiting the submission of further information from 10 of the applicants (including proof of residing in the surveyed squatters at the time of the pre-clearance survey, years of farming operations and other supplementary information). The LandsD is arranging site inspections for the remaining 13 applications (including six new applications received between April and May 2020), with a view to verifying their farming operations and eligibility. The LandsD will continue to maintain close communication with these applicants, and process their applications as soon as possible. read more