Improvement works to prevent falls in housing estates will be completed in the next year, providing a safer environment for residents, particularly the elderly, Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says.

There have been 184 accidental falls in the public areas of estates in the past three years, half involving the elderly.

Mr Suen told lawmakers today the Housing Department has been upgrading safety access provisions for the elderly and the disabled, providing handrails, ramps, dropped kerbs, tactile strips and signage for major common facilities in estates.

As at November, the works had been completed in 91 estates, while works at the remaining 69 estates will be finished in 2006-07.

Also in November, the Housing Authority approved measures enhancing services and facilities for the blind, such as the provision of tactile guide paths and installation of voice synthesizers in lifts. Installation will be completed within three years.