Chief Executive Carrie Lam today visited Nam Cheong 220 in Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po, the first transitional housing project adopting the modular integrated construction (MiC) method.

Construction of the project started in December last year and took only about eight months to complete using MiC technology which utilised construction components prefabricated in factories and transported to the site for assembly.

The four-storey building provides 89 one-to-three-person flats and can accommodate about 160 people. Most of the residents have already moved in.

The project was a collaborative effort, achieving a tripartite partnership of the community, business sector and the Government.

Nam Cheong 220, with the land lent by Henderson Land Development, is co-ordinated by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs).

The Community Care Fund subsidised the procurement and set-up of the modular housing units, while the Charities Trust under the Jockey Club funded the operation.

Relevant professional teams advised and supervised the works, while the Government provided support in terms of policy and construction techniques. 

Mrs Lam visited two family households which moved to Nam Cheong 220 from aged buildings nearby and was pleased to learn they were satisfied with the improvement of their living environment and the alleviation of their rent burden.

Both families said they greatly appreciated the efforts of the TWGHs in promoting the spirit of mutual help in Nam Cheong 220.

The Chief Executive noted that transitional housing is a more immediate solution for low-income individuals and families who have been waiting for public rental housing for over three years and living in deplorable conditions with urgent housing needs.

She pledged early this year to provide a total of 15,000 transitional housing units within the next three years. Land capable of providing 12,700 units has been identified.  

Mrs Lam thanked all parties which have participated in promoting transitional housing and expressed hope that with the concerted efforts of various sectors, more transitional housing projects will be rolled out sooner.