The Housing Authority will demolish Tung Tau Estate Block 22 as the extensive repairs it requires will be too disruptive to tenants and more expensive than redevelopment.

In a Legislative Council paper today, the Transport & Housing Bureau said a comprehensive investigation conducted last April to August found the block structurally safe. But due to aging and deterioration of various parts of the building, major repairs are needed to enhance the block's structural condition if it is to be sustained for at least 15 more years.

Tenants will likely be greatly disturbed by the extensive works, particularly the replacement of asbestos panels, the strengthening of structural elements and the recasting of floor slabs.

The 16-storey block was completed in 1965 and provides 906 flats. It currently has 1,400 and tenants affected by the clearance will be rehoused. Units for rehousing available in Wong Tai Sin include Tung Tau Cottage Area West due to be completed in 2009-10 and Tung Tau Estate Phase 9 in 2011-12, together with other vacant flats available for allocation by the Housing Authority.

Po Yan Catholic Primary School which is physically connected to the block will be retained as it is structurally safe and the school management and its parent-teacher association want to keep the school. The Housing Department will apply various measures to ensure the safety of, and minimise the nuisance to, teachers and students.

Fuk Loi Estate has also been found to be structurally safe and generally in good condition. Only minor repairs are required to sustain the estate for another 15 years.