********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
To tie in with the sale of surplus Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats (2007 Phase 1), the Hong Kong Housing Authority has opened on-site show flats in the three courts being offered in the current sales exercise. With the huge number of visitors to the show flats in the past few days, the authority has drawn up contingency plans in anticipation of even greater crowds at the weekends.
Assistant Director of Housing (Housing Subsidies) Mr Albert Lee Kwok-wing said public response had been overwhelming. "We have implemented a number of crowd control measures and order has been satisfactory. However, we anticipate even greater numbers of visitors will take advantage of the weekends to view the show flats and have made further contingency plans to more efficiently direct the flow of visitors."
The show flats are situated in Kingsford Terrace in Wong Tai Sin, Yu Chui Court in Sha Tin and Tin Fu Court in Tin Shui Wai, which will be open from January 2 to 15. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm daily. So far, Kingsford Terrace has recorded the highest number of visitors.
Mr Lee said Kingsford Terrace was expected to draw an even bigger crowd at the weekends. "After reviewing the situation, we have come up with new arrangements for the queuing and waiting areas. We also advise visitors not to stay too long inside the show flats in order to shorten the waiting time. To keep visitors informed of the latest situation, notices will be posted at the waiting areas. Our staff will also announce the expected waiting time through speakers.
"In Kingsford Terrace, there will be four additional flats open for viewing at weekends. These are undecorated flats on the second floor in Block 1. Visitors to these four flats will join a separate 'quick-queue' which will use the staircase instead of the elevators for a faster flow. However, if these visitors wish to view also the show flats on the upper floor, they will have to line up again in the other queue."
Mr Lee appealed for patience and understanding, saying it was anticipated that visitor numbers would peak in the afternoon of Saturday and Sunday. "We ask the public to try and arrange other times to view the flats. In case of overcrowding, announcements will be issued on the radio."
As for the other two courts, Mr Lee said a close eye would be kept on Yu Chui Court and Tin Fu Court. When necessary, similar arrangements would be introduced to control the crowds.
Ends/Friday, January 5, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:05
NNNN
