*******************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:
The Housing Authority (HA) will carry out works at a total cost of about $330 million to improve barrier free access in old public housing estates to meet requirements laid down in Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008 (DM 2008), in accordance with the recommendation of the Equal Opportunities Commission.
"While all new buildings of the HA have adopted the relevant design requirements in DM 2008 since its introduction, those built earlier are not fully compliant," a spokesman for the HA said today (December 19).
Although the DM 2008 has no retrospective effect, the HA as a caring landlord conducted an assessment in July this year in all existing properties under its management. Subsequently, it has identified a number of major improvement works, most of which are to be completed by mid-2012, to fulfil the requirements of DM 2008. The remaining works are expected to be completed by 2014.
These works include accessible lifts covering lift doors, control buttons, illuminated visual indicators, audible signals and indication in lift cars; provision of tactile warning strips at landings and at both bottom and top ends of staircases; the provision of handrails of required dimension and shape; and the provision of appropriate channel cover and grating.
Meanwhile, to address a major concern of many people with disabilities, the HA has put in place a separate programme of installing lifts for low-rise public housing blocks without such facilities, scheduled to be completed by 2012.
"In addition, improvement works for domestic blocks without lift services for every floor will be completed in 2016/17," the spokesman said.
The HA is also committed to on-going tailor-made improvement works on a needs basis. These include in-flat modifications, such as the widening of toilet and kitchen doors and the addition of temporary ramps at flat entrances.
"We will continue the proactive approach in co-ordination with relevant stakeholders for works in divested properties or in the vicinity of our estates," the spokesman said.
Ends/Sunday, December 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:01
NNNN