01/12/2006

Moon Lok Dai Ha Refurbished to Enhance Quality of Living

The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) marked the completion of the Moon Lok Dai Ha rehabilitation programme today with a completion ceremony officiated by HKHS Chairman Mr Yeung Ka-sing and the Hon Michael Suen, Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands.

Speaking at the completion ceremony, Mr Yeung said that to improve the living standards of the residents, regular inspections on the estates had been carried out to assess the extent of work needed such as maintenance, renovation, rehabilitation or even redevelopment. Moon Lok Dai Ha was the first old rental estate that had undergone rehabilitation without relocating its residents.

Built in the mid-1960's, Moon Lok Dai Ha consists of four blocks with 968 units. A detailed study conducted in 2003 revealed that the estate structure was sound and it was decided to undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. The project covered improvement works on the external walls, corridors, lobbies, children's playgrounds and power supply facilities. Additional lifts and security systems were installed while pipes, wiring and fire service systems were replaced. Besides, the courtyard and the neighbouring areas were landscaped to give a greener environment. Vacant units were also renovated before re-letting.

"At a total cost of about HK$130 million, the rehabilitation project has improved not only the living environment, but also the quality of living of the residents while maintaining their community network," Mr Yeung added.

Moreover, in view of the ageing population in the estate, a number of units on the ground level have been designated as elderly flats based on the "Universal Design" concept. An elderly lounge was also built to serve as a meeting place for the elderly residents to get together and expand their social network.

As an on-going renovation programme, HKHS has earmarked HK$700 million to upgrade estate facilities between 2003 and 2008. While the rehabilitation of Moon Lok Dai Ha was completed, improvement work has started at a number of other estates, including the two-phased redevelopment cum rehabilitation project for Kwun Lung Lau. The first phase, slated for completion by the end of next year, involves the construction of two 40-storey blocks together with supporting facilities like shops and car parks. The second phase of rehabilitation work will begin towards the end of the year to be completed by 2009. Meanwhile, pre-rehabilitation work has already commenced at Ming Wah Dai Ha with completion due by 2009 and Yue Kwong Chuen will also undergo redevelopment and rehabilitation in two phases.
　

Photo captions:

The new look of Moon Lok Dai Ha after rehabilitation.