The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (April 18) the commencement of a freezing survey within the development areas covered by the relevant Outline Development Plan for the Hung Shui Kiu Proposed New Development Area (NDA) project.
The purpose of the freezing survey is to capture the current occupation and status of existing structures and business operations within the areas planned for development. Upon obtaining the necessary approval for land resumption and clearance the LandsD will, in accordance with the finalised ambit for resumption and clearance, notify the affected households and business operators, verify their information as recorded in the freezing survey, and invite submission of documentary proof of occupation or operation of any businesses for a requisite period of time prior to April 18, 2017. The information obtained will be used to assess the eligibility of the households and the business operations affected by the resumption and clearance for rehousing and/or ex-gratia allowances.
Rehousing and ex-gratia allowances will not be available to any new occupation or operation of any businesses that commences on or after April 18, 2017.
The LandsD spokesman reiterated that during the freezing survey, staff of the LandsD will post notice to notify those affected of the freezing survey, designate a freezing survey number on the structures, take photos and record the usage of the structures and the details of business operations. Staff will also register particulars of the structures and the occupants surveyed.
The spokesman added that as with other freezing surveys, the target is to complete the survey as quickly as possible. The LandsD currently expects that it will take some 10 or more working days (except public holidays) to complete the survey of the vast areas covered by the proposed NDA. Given the nature of the survey, the LandsD will not give prior notification before it visits individual structures or business operations. If any occupants of structures or business operators are not present on-site during the visits, staff of the LandsD will leave a notice and arrangements will be made to contact the occupants of structures or business operators separately.
During the survey, staff of the LandsD will identify themselves with a staff card issued by the LandsD. The spokesman reminded occupants and business operators to carefully check the identity of staff before admitting them for the survey. In case of doubt, they may call the LandsD’s dedicated hotline at 3543 0189 from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays), to verify the identity of staff concerned. They may also call this hotline for other enquiries about the freezing survey. In case of any suspected cases of posing as staff of the LandsD or unlawful activities, occupants should immediately call the police for assistance.
Ends/Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:00
NNNN