The Government will launch a pilot scheme to tackle the bid-rigging problem in building repair and maintenance works.
Elaborating on the housing measures announced by Chief Executive CY Leung in his 2016 Policy Address, Secretary for Development Paul Chan said today the Urban Renewal Authority will run the scheme in the second quarter of the year for about 50 projects.
On increasing land supply, he said the Government will conduct new planning for land in Tseung Kwan O Area 137. The feasibility study will be conducted at the end of the year, he said, and assured that the assessment on the environment, air quality and traffic issues will be included. Mr Chan said the site area is 99 hectares and the first priority is to develop residential properties.
He also noted the Government has identified 20 sites which can slightly expand the area, generating 17,000 units, of which 90% can be public housing.
As the expanded area involves slopes, he said the Development Bureau is working with other departments to study its cost-effectiveness.
Mr Chan reaffirmed that property price-cooling measures will stay and the Government will keep increasing land supply because property prices are still beyond many people’s affordability.
