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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
The Chairman of the Housing Authority (HA), Ms Eva Cheng, today (April 13) visited Tseung Kwan O to see the latest public housing development in the district.
Ms Cheng also took the opportunity to visit members of the Direction Association for the Handicapped at Kin Ming Estate. The members, who were paralyzed by injuries or illness, told Ms Cheng that the public transport systems and public housing met their special needs adequately. The barrier-free facilities in Tsueng Kwan O area have also provided much assistance for them to overcome difficulties arising from resuming normal life in the community.
Ms Cheng was deeply impressed by their perseverance. She encouraged them to keep it up, live up to their full potential and help the others while helping themselves.
To understand the Housing Department's flat modification works for the tetrapelgics, which has enabled them to come back to the community from hospitalization, Ms Cheng also visited a tenant who has moved into a modified public housing unit in Choi Ming Court.
Beginning from 2004, the Housing Department has been allocating public housing flats for tetrapelgics referred by welfare and medical agencies. Up to now, there are 39 successful cases and 25 of them were allocated flats in Tseung Kwan O.
Flats for tetraplegics are selected from housing estates that are barrier-free and the units are no less than 30 square metres for the easy manoeuvring of wheel-chairs.
To cater for their individual needs, flat modifications such as widening the entrance of the flat and affixing a ramp, modifying the bathroom and kitchen, mounting ceiling hoist and installing handrails/railings are also required.
Ms Cheng also inspected the surveillance systems monitoring falling objects from height at Sheung Tak Estate.
Ends/Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:50
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