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The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:
The Chairman of the Housing Authority (HA), Ms Eva Cheng, visited the site of a large-scale public rental housing (PRH) project in Sha Tin today (August 30).
Situated at Sha Tin Area 52 (Shui Chuen O), the site is bounded by Shatin Road to the north and flanked by two natural streams between Ma On Shan Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park.
With its unique location, the new PRH development aims to integrate a people-oriented residential district into the adjacent natural environment and adopts a "Home in the Park" concept in the design.
Embracing the green concept, the Sha Tin PRH project will provide a greening ratio of 30 per cent and will adopt a number of environmental features such as a photo-voltaic system utilising renewable energy and a pilot Bio-retention Rainwater Harvesting System.
Other green initiatives include adoption of innovative prefabricated technology such as precast segmental roof water tanks and an environment-friendly modular hoarding system. These arrangements help streamline the construction process and create a greener environment through reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and construction waste.
The Sha Tin Area 52 development is scheduled for completion in four phases from 2014 to 2016, with a total coverage of 13 hectares and producing about 11 000 flats for a population of about 30 000 people. The development would be essential to the Government and the HA to maintain an average waiting time for PRH of about three years.
Other facilities such as a commercial centre with a wet market, a public transport interchange and other community and welfare facilities will be provided for the development. A barrier-free pedestrian system with lift towers and footbridges will also be provided to link up the development with the neighbouring community.
While in Sha Tin, Ms Cheng also visited a household in Sha Kok Estate. The tenants, a retiree and her daughter, have been living in the estate for more than 16 years. They shared with Ms Cheng the improvements they have witnessed in the living environment during this time.
With the approach of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Ms Cheng took the opportunity to extend her warm regards to the family.
Ends/Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:21
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