Housing chief pledges to eliminate substandard subdivided flats in collaboration with transitional housing operators

The Housing Bureau will continue to work with transitional housing operating bodies to eliminate substandard subdivided flats in Hong Kong as the Basic Housing Units Ordinance takes effect on March 1, according to Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin.  

In her social media post on Thursday, Ho noted that the government will provide support for residents affected by the ordinance with Category C tenant applications for transitional housing. 

She said that over the past few years, transitional housing projects have provided crucial support to grassroots and underprivileged residents, serving as an emergency relief for the community.  

Ho believed that both new and old residents can feel the care that the operating organizations have for the community and the strong sense of neighborhood within the projects.

She added that around the Lunar New Year each year, multiple transitional housing projects host a variety of activities, including poon choi feasts, red couplet writing and home visits. 

Recently, she and Under Secretary for Housing Victor Tai Sheung‑shing visited Pok Oi Kong Ha Wai Village, Kai Fook Kui, Ho Yuet Home and Wellness Lodge, where they experienced the festive atmosphere and extended New Year greetings to residents. 

Ho said during each visit, she sees elderly residents beaming with joy thanks to improved living conditions and care provided by operating organizations. Parents also appear refreshed as their children enjoy a better environment and stronger support, while children become more lively and cheerful with improved growth spaces. 

She noted that during her visit to Pok Oi Kong Ha Wai Village, many children came up to greet her and shared stories about their daily lives. She believed that these positive changes in children would contribute to a more active society in the future.