*******************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:
The clearance of Tai Wo Hau Factory Estate in Tsuen Wan, originally scheduled for November 1, will be extended for three months at tenants' request for more time to arrange relocation.
The Chairman of the Commercial Properties Committee (CPC), Mr Liu Sing-cheong, appealed to the remaining tenants to accept the ex-gratia allowances ranging from seven to 10 years' rent.
"Based on the ex-gratia allowance (EGA) calculated at $2,717 to $5,070 per square metre, tenants will be granted allowances ranging from $56,000 to $1.7 million," he said.
Stressing that every effort would be made to assist the tenants, Mr Liu said that front line estate management staff would maintain constant dialogue with affected tenants and arrange restricted tender exercises each month.
"Tenants are advised to apply for EGA and to take part in the restricted/open tenders during the three-month extension so as to vacate the factory units on time," he said.
"Due to the unsatisfactory condition of the building, large-scale strengthening works had been put in place to ensure building safety," he said.
The Housing Department issued Notices-to-quit and eviction notices to the tenants earlier this year. A total of 27 tenants lodged an appeal against the termination of their tenancies at the end of this month. The Appeal Panel confirmed the Notice-to-quit on September 29, 2006, after it had fully considered the cases.
Mr Liu said that tenancies in six factory estates at Cheung Sha Wan, Jordan Valley, Shek Kip Mei, Kwai Chung, Shun Kei (Tsuen Wan) and Yuen Long that have been cleared over the past few years were being offered the same terms.
Members of the CPC were informed of the extension of the clearance operation at a meeting today (October 24).
Ends/Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:41
NNNN