The costs of operating light and traditional public housing shouldn’t be compared simplistically without breaking down the details, according to housing minister Winnie Ho Wing-yin, who expressed her faith in completing the 30,000 light public housing units by 2026-27.
Speaking on a radio program on Saturday, Ho said the work of three projects has commenced already, accounting for about 29,000 units, and the preparations for the last project in Ma On Shan, offering some 800 units, are also ongoing.
The team comprises of strong construction companies from both Hong Kong and China and the morale is high, Ho said, stressing her faith in achieving the goal on time.
When asked why the cost of operating a light public housing unit at about HK$1,000 is double that of a traditional public housing unit, Ho believes the costs shouldn’t be compared simplistically.
She went on and said the contract for light public housing comprises three aspects, including cleaning and security, maintenance, and social welfare facilities.
She further broke down the numbers demonstrating that the $500 traditional housing contract only covers cleaning and security. When the HK$400 cost for maintenance is considered, the total amount also nears HK$1,000.
Yet, social services and support are not included in the operation contract of traditional public housing, Ho noted.
Ho continued that the final operation costs will depend on the tenders submitted to the authorities and the current figures are only estimates.
Hong Kong United Times丨香港聯合時報丨HKUT 