HKHA

I took honour and pleasure to be the Chairman of the Housing Authority in the new millennium.

With so many challenges ahead, my top priority goes to restoring public confidence in the building quality of the Housing Authority. We have been progressing well in implementing the 50 building quality reform initiatives under our reform blueprint "Quality Housing : Partnering for Change". Through the concerted efforts of the Housing Authority Members and Housing Department staff, and business partners, I firmly believe that we can together cultivate and promote healthy and professional practices in the construction industry. We will also work closely with the Construction Industry Review Committee under the Hon Henry Tang in spear-heading other industry-wide reforms.

The Housing Authority has a team of dedicated and experienced staff which provides homes for about half of the population. Understandably the recent building quality issues, the gradual transfer of our estate management and maintenance functions to the private sector, and the upsurge in workload arising from the production peak have posed challenges to the Department. However, I must stress that their devotion and expertise are invaluable assets to the Authority. I have every confidence that we can rise to the challenges through mutual trust, understanding and co-operation.

Since I took office last October, I have met and talked to the senior directorate, section heads, union representatives, as well as our business partners and customers. To further enhance communication with staff and our customers, I will visit more construction sites and estates to listen to their views. I am aware that many staff members have worries over their future in the light of the Phased Services Transfer Scheme. It is important to make clear to them that the Voluntary Departure Scheme is absolutely optional for the benefit of those who choose to start a new career in the private sector. We are also working proactively towards creating a more rewarding environment for those who continue to deliver quality housing and services here.

The Housing Authority is determined to achieve the Government's policy objective on public housing - "Better Housing for All" through providing housing assistance to those in need. We will continue to safeguard the rational allocation of housing resources and to facilitate wider home ownership through a more diversified approach. With an increase in the supply of public rental housing flats, we shall be able to reduce the average waiting time for public rental housing to 3 years by 2003, two years ahead of the original schedule. In addition to our bricks and mortar approach, we are also exploring the feasibility of offering rental subsidies to elderly applicants on the Waiting List as an alternative to providing public rental housing.

Lastly, I would like to record my vote of thanks to all the Housing Authority and Committee Members, and Housing Department staff under the leadership of Mr Tony Miller, the Director of Housing, for their invaluable advice and assistance. I look forward to their continual support, together with that of our customers and business partners, in meeting the challenges and leading the Housing Authority to another peak.

Dr Cheng Hon-kwan, GBS, JP
Chairman of Housing Authority