The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (October 29) visited Nam Cheong 220, the first transitional housing project adopting the modular integrated construction (MiC) method in Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po. She also visited two family households there to learn about their lives.
Accompanied by Mr Bernard Chan, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) which initiated the project; the HKCSS Chief Executive, Mr Chua Hoi-wai; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Ms Ginny Man; and TWGHs Chief Executive, Mr Albert Su, Mrs Lam toured the project which was completed in August this year. Construction works started in December last year, adopting MiC technology which used construction components prefabricated in factories and transported to the site for assembly, taking only a little more than eight months to complete. It consists of a four-storey building which provides 89 one-to-three-person flats to accommodate about 160 people. As of now, most of the residents have already moved in.
Nam Cheong 220, with the land lent by Henderson Land Development Co Ltd, is co-ordinated by the HKCSS and operated by TWGHs. The Community Care Fund subsidised the procurement and set-up of the modular housing units; the Charities Trust under the Hong Kong Jockey Club funded the operation; relevant professional teams gave advice and supervised the works; and the Government provided support in terms of policy and construction techniques. The project was completed with collaborative efforts, achieving a tripartite partnership of the community, the business sector and the Government.
Mrs Lam visited two family households which moved to the units of Nam Cheong 220 from aged buildings nearby. She was pleased to learn that the households were satisfied with the improvement of their living environment and the alleviation of their rent burden. Both families appreciated very much the efforts of TWGHs in promoting the spirit of mutual help in Nam Cheong 220.
"Transitional housing is a more immediate solution for low-income persons and families who have been waiting for public rental housing for more than three years and living in deplorable conditions with urgent housing needs. In the Policy Address last year, I pledged to provide a total of 10 000 transitional housing units within the next three years. I further raised the target to 15 000 units early this year and increased the provision for transitional housing from $2 billion to $5 billion to assist and support non-governmental organisations to participate in transitional housing projects. At present, land capable of providing 12 700 units has been identified. I would like to thank all community groups, developers, professional/technical organisations and relevant public and private organisations which have participated in promoting transitional housing. I hope that with the concerted efforts of various sectors, more transitional housing projects will be rolled out sooner rather than later," Mrs Lam said.
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