Developers may pitch in to build public flats in Hong Kong

Developers are likely to be enlisted to hasten the supply of affordable public flats, according to a government report to be released for public consultation this month.

For the first time since 2002, the private sector may resume its role in the construction of subsidised flats, advisers on long-term housing have proposed.

Other controversial measures up for public discussion include rent control, issuing licences for subdivided flats and creating new units in the open space of existing public estates for single applicants, the advisers say.

A member of the long-term housing strategy steering committee tried to dispel fears that participating developers might cut corners.

"The government can impose more stringent requirements on the design and building quality and ask developers to follow the rules," Professor Eddie Hui Chi-man said.

Hui cited Aldrich Garden in Shau Kei Wan and Kornhill Gardens in Quarry Bay as good examples of units produced under a now-defunct scheme that had invited private companies to build subsidised flats.

"It would be difficult for the Housing Authority to increase the supply significantly on its own," Hui said.