I REFER to the letter headlined, ''Sell land'' (South China Morning Post, February 17), from Y. Y. Chan. The correspondent felt that selling an area of land located opposite the Housing Authority headquarters, at Ho Man Tin, for private development, wouldbe more cost-effective than using it as the site for public housing, as the Government proposes.
From a financial point of view it may be a good idea, but our Government is not like a private company, which is only out to make money.
It is the responsibility of the Government, to issue more land to the Hong Kong Housing Authority in order that more houses can be built for the people of Hong Kong.
In the next few years, demand for public housing will increase, because more people from the mainland will be coming to live here as we approach 1997.
Even before they arrive, the public housing registration waiting list is already very long.
So, we cannot wait for the closure and clearing of Kai Tak Airport to provide public housing. There is a need for more housing now.