Provision of Public Housing
Improvement in Estate Cleanliness
Review of Domestic Rent Policy
Building Quality Enhancement
Home Ownership Assistance
Commercial Properties
Greater Use of Information Technology

PROVISION OF PUBLIC HOUSING

During the first six months of 2003 / 2004, some 4 700 flats were built. We also allocated about 14 000 PRH flats to Waiting List applicants and rehoused 132 households affected by the Comprehensive Redevelopment Programme. We are committed to maintaining the average waiting time at around three years. As of end September 2003, the average waiting time was 2.1 years for all waiting list applicants and 0.9 year for elderly singletons. A trial scheme on one-stop registration and initial vetting was launched to streamline and facilitate applications by the elderly.

IMPROVEMENT IN ESTATE CLEANLINESS

In partnership with the Team Clean set up by the Government in May 2003, we embarked upon a series of measures, including estate clean-up and disinfection operations, cleansing campaigns, prompt drainage repairs and education programmes to combat the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). We also stepped up enforcement of the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness Offences) Ordinance. To foster a clean and healthy living culture among public housing tenants, a Marking Scheme on Hygiene Related Misdeeds was introduced on 1 August 2003. Under the scheme, a household with 16 demerit points accumulated within two years will have its tenancy terminated.

REVIEW OF DOMESTIC RENT POLICY

The work of the Committee on Review of Domestic Rent Policy (CDRP) was intervened by the judicial review of the HA's decisions to defer reviewing the rents of its public rental housing estates. Subsequent to the Court of First Instance's ruling on the judicial review cases, the CDRP has resumed its work since September 2003. It aims to map out a rent policy that is affordable, more flexible, provides greater choice to tenants, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the public housing programme. The CDRP aims to consult the public on its initial findings in mid-2004.

BUILDING QUALITY ENHANCEMENT

We continue to make headway in implementing the 50 Quality Housing Initiatives (QHIs). As at end December 2003, we have fully or partly implemented all the 50 QHIs. Forty-two QHIs have been successfully implemented. Another eight QHIs have been partially implemented. In order to evaluate the relative merits of different project designs, we have introduced a system to conduct surveys on end-user satisfaction and post-completion review of projects. The findings would provide a basis for continuous evaluation and improvement in project design.

To maximize the cost-effectiveness in the construction process, we have adopted a revised Model Client Brief and Schedule of Provisions and Finishes for new public rental housing development to support "Functional and Cost-effective" design. For longer term and on going improvements, we work in partnership with academics and the industry by sponsoring researches that seek to improve the various stages of building process. So far we have offered funding support for a total of 13 research projects encompassing quality improvement, environmental enhancement and effective planning. The results are expected to be available in one or two years' time.

HOME OWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE

Subsequent to the HA's endorsement of the relevant measures announced by the SHPL in his Statement on Housing Policy in November 2002, we have ceased the production and sale of home ownership flats from 2003 onwards. The HA has also accepted the Government's proposal for not putting up for sale, in the form of subsidized housing, unsold and returned HOS flats before the end of 2006. Phase 6 of the TPS has been deferred pending completion of the condition survey of the drainage system and necessary repair work. As for the HALS, some 3 300 loans / subsidies had been granted up to end September 2003.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Some 4 679 square metres gross floor area of commercial properties and 1 284 car parking spaces were completed and taken over by the Commercial Properties Sub-division in the first half of 2003 / 2004^[3]. There were mild reductions in the rentals of the retail premises in early 2003, reflecting the impact of SARS. The vacancy rate for shopping facilities was stabilized at about 6.3%. The opening of the Business Opportunity Centre (BOC) has provided a one-stop information and letting venue for the leasing of vacant commercial premises. Flexible modes of letting such as weekly short-term letting and open instant tender were introduced to expedite letting and enhance occupancy rate. During the first half of the year, there were 281 successful lettings through the BOC.

To help increase patronage and business, we launched a variety of community and cultural events and stage shows in our shopping centres. Other roving civic and health-related exhibitions and cleanliness campaigns were also organized in the shopping centres to promote civic education.

GREATER USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

We have strengthened the Information Technology (IT) governance and security of the HA with most of the high priority IT policies standards being completed. The capacity of the HA's computer network covering the HA Headquarters and all out-station offices was expanded to facilitate the introduction of new business applications. Other development of e-Housing initiatives including the Commercial Properties Management System and business portals for the construction and the allocation and commercial businesses were in good progress.

To strengthen communication with both internal and external customers, a new and improved HA/HD Web Site was launched. In the spirit of fostering close partnerships, property service companies and housing-related professional institutions could enrol on the HA web-based courseware to facilitate a better understanding of the HA's service value and standards.