The Hong Kong government proposed to build simple public housing in the “Policy Address” earlier, and the site selection has finally been announced. According to the latest document of the Legislative Council, the government has preliminarily confirmed four sites for the development of “simple public housing” at this stage, which are located in Area 3A of Tuen Mun near Light Rail Tsing Song Station, Area 54 of Tuen Mun near Jing Tin Village, and Liantang Wei near Fan Ling Golf Club and Yuen Long Yau Pok Road are near Fairview Garden.
Director-General of the Public Housing Federation Zhao Guowei said on a radio program this morning (30th) that the estimated cost of the design and construction of the “simple public housing” project is about 26.79 billion Hong Kong dollars, calculated on the basis of 30,000 units, the average A cost of about 900,000 yuan, compared to a public housing unit costing about 650,000 yuan, the cost of simple public housing is even more expensive than a public housing unit. In addition, some sites, such as Yuen Long and Sheung Shui, are relatively remote, which may reduce the willingness of people in need to move in. He suggested that the government consider increasing transportation connections to and from MTR stations, and at the same time consider adding shops to support the daily needs of tenants.
Regarding the cost of simple public housing, Member Cheng Wing-shun will raise concerns with the government at the Housing Affairs Committee meeting next week. He estimates that the average cost per unit of simple public housing is higher than public housing units. Zheng said that some of the sites are located near mature communities with existing community facilities.