Following is a transcript (English portion)of a media stand-up by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, after visiting Tai Kok Tsui this afternoon (January 26).
Reporter: Mr Suen, how would the scheme of the Urban Renewal Authority go to achieve?
SHPL: I think you would have seen the drastic difference between the two blocks standing side-by-side. We are now facing all the blocks which have been renovated and it made such a difference. We've been talking to members of the Owners' Corporation and they feel so proud of themselves and they relayed to me their experience and the satisfaction. There are now transactions of flats in this particular building, which far exceeds their previous transaction price. They also talked about the ease with which they can obtain insurance cover. But the same situation, of course, the sort of pain in the nearby buildings, we are now in touch with the owners with a view to organising themselves so that they can repeat the same experience.
Reporter: So, more buildings are being involved in the scheme today? Any comment for those buildings?
SHPL: I think it must be a step in the right direction. There are more buildings involved, and the scheme is extended to cover more people. As you might have noticed, last week we announced the comprehensive scheme which encompassed all buildings in Hong Kong, not just buildings covered by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA). Today, we are looking at examples provided by the URA, but there are others covered by different schemes provided for by the Housing Society. They cover buildings outside the URA action areas. So, between the two of them, we have got the comprehensive coverage of all the buildings.
Reporter: What is your feedback towards Madam Lo Siu-lan's rejection of Housing Authority's offer?
SHPL: I think we should set the record straight. Actually it was the lawyer representing Madam Lo who sought assistance from us with a view to assisting them in the proceeding of the court case. Of course, we have said that in order to expedite the conclusion of the case through the courts, we are prepared to consider their request but at our own terms. Of course we want to ensure that the case is proceeded with dispatch so that there is no any undue delay in the processing of the case. But having considered our conditions the other side has declined to accept the offer so that being the case there is no offer on the table.
Ends/Wednesday, January 26, 2005
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