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The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, visited an old housing estate and a new tourist attraction in Tsuen Wan today (June 23).
Accompanied by the Tsuen Wan District Council Chairman Chau How-chen and Vice Chairman Chung Wai-ping as well as Tsuen Wan District Officer Cheung Doi-ching, Ms Cheng's first stop was Fok Loi Estate.
District staff of the Housing Department updated Ms Cheng on comprehensive improvement works that would be carried out in the coming few years to improve the conditions and facilities of the 46-year-old estate. The works programme, drawn up based on tenants' feedback and consultation with the Estate Management Advisory Committee and local District Council members, will cost about $90 million.
Aiming to provide a "green, freshen and barrier free" environment to the tenants, the works programme consists of structural strengthening, external and internal redecoration, rooftop greening, provision of additional lifts and improvement to the entrance lobbies and lift lobbies in various housing blocks.
While most of the major improvement works will be completed before the end of 2012, the structural strengthening works in two low blocks and some other projects to cater for the needs of the elderly tenants are scheduled to finish earlier in 2009/10. These include replacement of dilapidated metal gates and provision of in-flat handrails at bathroom, kitchen and other suitable locations for all elderly units.
Completed in 1963, the estate was found to be structurally safe for the coming 15 years by a comprehensive structural investigation conducted in late 2007.
Ms Cheng learnt that cleansing work in the estate had also been stepped up as a precaution against the threat of human swine flu transmissions. Cleansing and disinfection of entrance gates and buttons of lifts are being carried out four times and eight times daily respectively. Other public facilities and common areas within the estate are also cleaned regularly.
Automatic disinfectant dispensers have been installed at the lobby of all housing blocks in Fuk Loi Estate. The Tsuen Wan District Council approved a funding of $100,000 for the installation of the equipment in all four public housing estates of the Housing Department in the district.
Ms Cheng also visited a 3-generation family before she left the estate. The householder, an old tenant who has been living there since 1963, had a friendly chat with the Secretary.
Ms Cheng then proceeded to the newly opened Ma Wan Park Noah's Ark where she was briefed by the amusement park's management. At the Park restaurant, she had a tea gathering with Tsuen Wan District Council members and exchanged views on issues of concern to the district.
Ends/Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:49
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