To enhance the effectiveness and quality of public housing estate management, the Housing Authority has introduced innovative technologies to promote smart estate management and has selected 10 estates as pilot estates for smart estate management, to enhance management efficiency and service quality and to promote the well-being and sense of belonging for estate management teams and public housing residents.
The pilot public rental housing (PRH) estates include Queen's Hill Estate in Fanling, Hung Fuk Estate in Yuen Long, Yan Tin Estate in Tuen Mun, Fu Tip Estate in Tai Po, Shui Chuen O Estate in Sha Tin, Long Shin Estate in Yuen Long, Hoi Ying Estate in Cheung Sha Wan, Yau Tong Estate in Kwun Tong, Tung Wui Estate in Wong Tai Sin and Shek Pai Wan Estate on Hong Kong Island.
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The smart estate management projects implemented by the authority include the introduction of technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence video analysis, mobile phone applications, Near-Field Communication (NFC), and others, and covered various aspects of estate management including the daily security patrol, detection of falling objects, providing information to residents and management of estate facilities through electronic means.
Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance estate management
The IoT, which is currently installed in PRH estates on a pilot basis, collects and transmits various kinds of data through infrastructural facilities, including sensor, gateways and data networks.
The data collected will then be analyzed and processed together with the smart monitoring system, so as to enable the management staff to monitor the various conditions of the estates in real time, such as flooding, hidden areas and illegal parking in the estates, to facilitate the handling of issues such as cleaning, repairs, maintenance and security of the estates.
For example, vehicle sensors installed in parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities automatically update the number of available spaces, helping management staff in overseeing the proper use of these designated parking spaces.
Mobile Application System for Daily Patrol (MASDP) enhances security efficiency in public housing estates
In addition, the authority has developed the "MASDP" to enhance security surveillance in public housing estates and provide a more attentive service to residents.
The system, which combines smartphones with NFC technology, allows estate management staff to easily report patrol findings and arrange follow-up actions through a mobile application and a dedicated handset.
They can also upload photos and related information for record-keeping - replacing paper reports and thereby enhancing work efficiency.
Electronic management for a more convenient life
The authority has also implemented an electronic management system across all its parking facilities.
Residents who rent monthly parking spaces can pay monthly parking fees through its "iHousing Mobile App" anytime anywhere, making the process convenient and efficient.
Residents can also utilize the dedicated online link provided by the electronic system to submit applications for monthly parking spaces.
Furthermore, electronic notice boards have been installed by phases in the ground floor lobbies of all public housing blocks. The e-notice boards together with the iHousing app facilitate residents to receive information and can promote eco-friendly communication.
Some PRH residents have commented that there are a lot of open spaces in the current living environment of PRH estates, and many innovative technologies have been introduced into the design of PRH flats to facilitate the lives of tenants.
"The size of PRH flats is practical, the rent is affordable, with a lot of green areas in the estate," said Ms Law, who lives in Yau Tong Estate.
With the implementation of smart estate management systems, PRH residents will enjoy a better living environment and experience.
