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The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, today (June 23) visited Shatin to see the new design of a public rental housing estate and the greening efforts made by the Housing Department to improve the living environment for tenants.
Accompanied by Housing Authority Member, Mr Augustine Wong Ho-ming, and the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing), Mr Thomas Chan, Ms Cheng paid her visit first to Mei Tin Estate.
Comprising eight housing blocks which provide a total of about 6,700 units, Mei Tin Estate is constructed in four phases. The first two phases were completed in 2006, and the third phase will begin its in-take by middle of the year. The fourth phase is under planning and is scheduled to complete in 2012/13.
Because of the sloping site topography, Mei Tin Estate is built on four platforms, which are conveniently connected by covered walkways linking the block entrances, shopping centre and public transport interchange. With site-specific design for domestic buildings, tenants can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding greenery.
The design of the community hall of the estate, which was based on the analysis of micro climate study, utilizes the benefit of natural ventilation and daylight, thus reducing energy consumption and carbon emission.
Ms Cheng was pleased to learn a tenants' survey showed that Mei Tin Estate' s tenants have a level of satisfaction of over 75% towards the overall design of the estate.
Ms Cheng then visited Sun Chui Estate and inspected its landscape improvement works. The green area of the estate covers more than 20,000 square metres, representing 17% of the site area. This is the largest among public housing estates in Shatin. It also features a thematic Palm Garden and a mosquito repelling Insecticidal Plant Path.
Before the end of the visit, Ms Cheng called on the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service - Sun Chui Children Centre at the estate to learn about the services provided to residents by the centre.
Ends/Monday, June 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:21
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