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A tetraplegic man who was confined to a hospital bed for 12 years has turned a new page in his life by moving into a flat in Po Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O.
The joy of the tetraplegic tenant, who has re-integrated into the community under a rehousing scheme, was shared today (August 2) by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, during a visit to the flat.
The rehousing scheme is jointly provided by the Housing Department, Social Welfare Department, the Hospital Authority and non-government organisations in related fields.
The scheme, which was introduced in August, 2004, offers barrier-free living environment at public housing units for tetraplegics who are referred by the Social Welfare Department to take up these units.
The tenant, who was paralysed in a swimming accident 13 years ago, moved into his Po Lam Estate flat in July last year.
The Housing Department modifies the flats to fit tenants' needs. The modifications usually include enlarging the bathroom; adding a ramp leading to entrance of the flat and positioning the power points within easy reach of the tenant.
"These tailor-made fittings together with a mobile hoist enable me to move around my unit without much difficulty," the tenant said.
To further meet individual tetraplegic tenants' special needs, the Housing Department can install handrails and railings inside the housing unit. Additionally, the department houses these tenants in units as close as possible to lifts.
"I have a home of my own here," the tenant told Mr Suen, adding that unlike in hospital, friends and relatives could now visit him at any time.
"The re-integration into the community began after I moved into this housing unit. I go out with my friends to restaurants, participate in community activities, visit friends in other public housing units and shopping malls," the tenant said.
A friend of the tenant paid a visit today. His friend is also a tetraplegic tenant rehoused in Po Lam Estate. They are happy with their living environment.
Seventeen tetraplegics have benefited from the scheme so far. Twelve live in Po Lam Estate or Hau Tak Estate in Tseung Kwan O.
Mr Suen was happy to see that the tetraplegics were able to re-integrate into the community through the rehousing scheme, which did not need many extra resources to implement.
During his visit to the new town, Mr Suen was also briefed by the District Officer (Sai Kung), Mr Peter Chan, and the District Planning Officer (Sai Kung and Islands), Mr Michael Chan, on the issues of concern to the residents including provision of more open space, recreational and library facilities and a planned Football Training Centre.
Mr Suen went to the restored Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill in Area 77 where he learnt that the landfill will be converted into an area for leisure and recreational use. The Football Training Centre, which will be built on part of the site, is expected to be completed by 2008.
Mr Suen was also briefed on the proposed footpath linking Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemetery and the Tiu Keng Keng MTR Station. The footpath will serve both as an additional access to the cemetery and a leisure path in the district and works on the project will start next year.
He was also briefed on details of greening projects in the new town including planting of trees around the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground which is under construction and the proposal to beautify roundabouts in the new town.
Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground is the first venue in Hong Kong with secondary warm-up sports ground for international athletics competitions. It will become the main venue for the track and field events for the 2009 East Asian Games.
Before ending his visit, Mr Suen visited the Po Lam market, managed by the Link Management Limited, and the Metro City Shopping Mall Phase II, one of the largest shopping malls in Tseung Kwan O, where he chatted with shoppers and stall and shop operators.
Ends/Wednesday, August 2, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:13
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