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The Housing Department is spending $800 million in the Lift Modernisation Programme in public rental housing (PRH) estates. So far, 371 lifts have been fully modernised and 10 lifts renovated.
"Over the next five years, we have plans to put in $500 million, on top of the $300 million spent on the completed works, to carry out the improvement works for 521 lifts. New lifts will also be installed in estates where lift service was not originally provided," the Assistant Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Bay Wong said today (February 23).
The modernisation programme includes renovations and replacing old lift cars, machinery and control system, and wherever possible, to have the lifts stopping on each floor to provide a better service.
"Site survey in old estates will be conducted according to the year of completion of the buildings. Work programmes will then be set after the feasibility study," Mr Wong said.
Nam Shan Estate (10 lifts) and Tai Hing (I) Estate (18 lifts) have just had their new lifts installed. The new lift cars can cater for a greater passenger flow at a higher speed. Ride comfort is also improved. Intercom system will also be provided between lift cars and guard counter so that the guard can speak with the passengers in case of emergency.
The new lift will be able to cut the energy costs by 35% with a saving of $15,000 a year. For Tai Hing Estate, the saving on electricity after all lifts were modernised would be $700,000 each year.
Works already commenced in 2006-07 include the 27 lifts at Wo Che Estate (12) and Shek Kip Mei Estate (15). Works planned for the year include 77 lift cars at Choi Wan (II) Estate (18), Fu Shan Estate (6), Kai Yip Estate (27) and Cheung Ching Estate (26).
The Housing Department also plans to install additional lifts at public rental housing estates originally not provided with a lift service. The department is trying to add in lifts or even external lift towers so senior residents don't have to walk up and down the stairs. Design and installation works will begin soon at Choi Hung Estate (9 lifts), Tai Hing Estate (2), Pak Tin Estate(5), Lei Muk Shue (II) Estate(1)and Yue Wan Estate (2). The estimated cost is around $58 million.
Construction of shuttle lifts is another major project for estates built along hillsides or slopes. The shuttle lift connecting Shek Pai Wan Estate and Aberdeen was open to the public earlier this year. Initially, shuttle lifts are planned for Po Tat Estate, Kwai Chung Estate, Kwai Shing East Estate and Sai Wan Estate. The total cost is around $24 million.
Ends/Friday, February 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:19
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