Officials' shift in public housing policy will help cut long waiting list
I think the government policy of only demolishing public housing blocks when they became too costly to repair was outdated.
Therefore, I strongly support the change of direction with the decision to redevelop Pak Tin Estate in Sham Shui Po ('Change of plan on redeveloping estates', April 18).
This is a 'new redevelopment policy for public-rental homes that gives priority to sites that can yield extra flats'.
The housing shortage in Hong Kong is a long-term problem and was exacerbated by the previous policy.
Many citizens may have to wait four to five years to get a key to a public housing flat. It has been clear that the government's public housing policy was failing.
I think this shift in strategy will shorten the waiting time for prospective tenants.
It can also help the younger generation who will struggle to cope with a high inflation rate and rising property prices and rents.
Only about 18 per cent of secondary pupils will secure a place at a local university and those without a degree may have difficulties finding accommodation they can afford when they start work.
Again, this new public housing policy could help them.
I hope the redevelopment will be done properly. It must be comprehensive.
This project will improve the lives of the present tenants of Pak Tin Estate.
Their new homes will be better, and with the rebuilt estate will come improved facilities, with, for example, better shopping malls and public services, such as libraries.
This shift in public housing policy is feasible while the government has a budget surplus.
Ian Lai, Sha Tin
