Tetraplegics can now move into public rental housing flats and re-integrate into the community thanks to the joint efforts of the Housing Department and welfare and medical agencies.

The department has reserved flats at Po Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O, for compassionate rehousing. Seven applications have been received and four have accepted their allocations since the programme launched last August. Another two are in the pipeline.

Deputy Director of Housing Lau Kai-hung said the concept is to provide tetraplegics a barrier-free living environment in a supportive community. Advised by social workers, medical professionals and users themselves, improvements have been made to the flats.

The flats are 31.45 square metres, a size generally sufficient for a wheelchair-bound tenant and a caregiver. After rehousing, a trained caregiver can be employed to provide round-the-clock domestic assistance.