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The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, today (January 23) visited Yuen Long and Tuen Mun to better understand both the existing and planned public housing projects in the districts.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing), Mr Thomas Chan Chun-yuen, and the Chairman of the Housing Authority's (HA) Audit Sub-committee, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, Ms Cheng inspected the former Yuen Long Estate site and Tuen Mun Area 18, which were planned for public housing developments.
Ms Cheng also visited Tai Hing Estate in Tuen Mun to see the lift modernisation works. Two lift towers will be built for the six-storey Hing Wai House, which was completed in 1978 and without lift service. These will be the first additional lift towers constructed for an HA housing estate when they are completed by 2008.
Moreover, half of the 48 lift cars serving different blocks of the estate were replaced last year. Lift openings were also added to the lower floors served by these lifts. The remaining works beginning next month will be completed by 2011.
"The HA strives to improve the safety and living environment of public housing estates. Addition of lift service and lift openings render the elderly and disabled people a barrier-free environment," said Ms Cheng.
Ms Cheng also took the opportunity to visit an elderly tenant of Tai Hing Estate. He was glad with the direct lift service now available to the floor he lives.
Ms Cheng then visited Po Tin Estate and the ELCHK Tuen Mun Integrated Youth Service Centre to better understand the services available for children and youths in the district.
Ends/Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:47
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