July 14, 2011

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says he hopes the District Councils will support the Government’s public housing development projects.
 
Mr Tsang made the appeal during his visit to Tung Chung Area 55a and 56 today to inspect the progress of the residential developments there.
 
“The demand for housing is keen. I fully understand the importance of having a home. To increase the supply of small and medium-sized flats in the market, we have recently put up for sale a number of sites with restrictions on unit size to meet public demand,” he said.
 
Reserved for private residential development, Tung Chung Area 55a will be sold by tender with restrictions on unit size. At least 2,020 units will be built, of which at least 1,650 will range in saleable area from 35 to 45 square metres, and at least 370 units will range from 45 square metres to 60.
 
The adjacent Tung Chung Area 56 is designated for public housing.
 
To address the housing needs of the low-income families and individuals, Mr Tsang said the Government will continue to find suitable sites for public rental housing to maintain the average waiting time at three years.
 
“The support of people is important, throughout the whole process from the identification of sites to construction. We listen to the views of the community and formulate the most practicable proposals,” he said.
 
“Different views are expressed at times, ranging from demand for more supporting facilities, changes to the design and disposition of the blocks, to even a change of the site. The Government has to strike a balance and make a decision based on the best interests of the public at large.
 
“I hope the District Councils and district personalities support our public housing development projects. The Government will maintain close contact and communication with various sectors and parties, so we can all work together for the well-being of the people.”
 
Tung Chung Area 56 was included in the application list for 2006-07 and 2007-08, during which it was not triggered for sale. The Government then designated the land for public housing development.
 
The ground investigation work of the development started at the end of last month. Construction is scheduled to start in mid-2012 for completion in 2016. 
 
In the revised proposal which further improves the layout of the blocks, the buildings originally ranging from 47 to 49 storeys have been lowered to 41 storeys, and the space between the blocks has been widened for better airflow.
 
There will be a lot of green landscape in the common areas to create a comfortable environment. There will also be retail and other community facilities.