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The recovery operation of Tai Wo Hau Factory Estate went smoothly today (May 3) with the successful recovery of all the remaining leased factory units by the Housing Department.
"We are pleased with the progress of today's operation, thanks to the co-operation of the tenants and the assistance of various government departments," the Chief Manager /Management (Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan & Islands) of the Housing Department, Mrs Jennifer Yiu, said.
"All recovered units were sealed up with all remaining machineries and chattels being taken stock of and registered. Operators are required to move them out on or before May 16," Mrs Yiu said.
She appealed to eligible tenants to apply for their ex-gratia allowances (EGAs) equivalent to 7 to 10 years' rent. The total amount of EGAs payable is $42 million.
In addition to the EGAs, they have been offered three months rent-free when leasing other factory units under the Housing Authority (HA) or a cash sum if they choose to go elsewhere in the private sector.
A total of 439 sets of factory units had been put up for bidding by displaced tenants of Tai Wo Hau Factory Estate under 17 restricted tender exercises and another 370 sets of factory units under 12 open tender exercises since the announcement of the factory clearance in April 2005.
Built in 1961 - 1966, Tai Wo Hau Factory Estate comprises one four-storey block, one five-storey block and one seven-storey block without lift service. There are 1035.5 units in standard sizes of 18 square metres or 24 square metres.
The HA's Strategic Planning Committee approved in March 2005 the clearance of Tai Wo Hau Factory Estate because of its rising maintenance cost, obsolete design and high vacancy. It is considered not cost-effective to maintain the estate.
Originally scheduled for clearance on October 31, 2006, the operation has been extended twice to today at tenants' request for more time to arrange relocation.
"The site will be returned to the Government for disposal after the clearance," Mrs Yiu said.
Ends/Thursday, May 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:41
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