Govt offers moving allowances for affected households in Sai Wan Estate and Phase 1 of Ma Tau Wai Estate redevelopment

The government on Monday has unveiled detailed clearance and resettlement arrangements on Monday for the redevelopment of Sai Wan Estate and Phase 1 of Ma Tau Wai Estate, offering relocation allowances based on household size, special ex-gratia payments for commercial tenants, and measures to preserve community ties and distinctive businesses.

Affected residents will receive a Domestic Removal Allowance ranging from HK$10,350 to HK$33,050 to help cover moving costs.

Eligible single-person and two-person households can choose a cash Alternative Rehousing Allowance instead of public rental housing rehousing, set at HK$82,700 for single-person households and HK$100,220 for two-person households.

Following the approach used for Wah Fu Estate and Choi Hung Estate, the Housing Authority will introduce a special tender arrangement for distinctive commercial tenants affected by Phase 1 of Ma Tau Wai Estate redevelopment.

Authorities will identify shops with unique characteristics and community value through public engagement activities. These tenants can then bid for shops in the receiving estate or redeveloped premises through dedicated tender exercises.

All eligible commercial tenants in the project will also receive an ex-gratia allowance equivalent to 15 times their monthly exclusive rent. They may bid for other designated vacant shops managed by the Housing Authority.

Tenants who choose not to bid or do not secure a shop can opt for a one-off alternative allowance of HK$113,500.

For Sai Wan Estate, clearance and resettlement will proceed in a single phase. Residents have been given more than 40 months’ notice to vacate, starting immediately, with the target clearance date set for September 2029.

The nearby Phase 1 development at Ka Wai Man Road will serve as the main reception estate, providing enough public rental housing units to allow residents to relocate together and maintain community bonds and a sense of belonging.

Ma Tau Wai Estate redevelopment will be carried out in two phases instead of the original three, with Phase 1 involving the demolition of Geranium House and Narcissus House.

Affected households in Phase 1 have over 40 months’ notice to move out from today, with the target clearance date set for July 2029.

Residents will be rehoused in the To Kwa Wan Road public housing development and part of the new Mei Tung Estate public housing development.

The revised plan shortens the overall redevelopment and resettlement timeline from 14 years to seven years.