CE John Lee: more LPH for tenants for ex-subdivided units

Chief Executive John Lee says, the administration can consider building more Light Public Housing to accommodate former tenants at sub-par subdivided units if there's a need.

The city leader also says it's hard to predict if the unemployment rate will be driven down given various uncertain external factors.

Hong Kong's inaugural Five-Year Plan has set a new target for the overall public housing waiting time -- which is lowered to under four years by the 2030/31 financial year.

Speaking with TVB News, Chief Executive John Lee says this is built on a projected average annual supply of 35,000 public housing units over the next five years, with confidence that this will increase to 45,000 units in the second five-year period.

Lee says setting the target below four years and working towards the three-year mark is "very realistic."

Building public housing still takes time, but the 2030/31 financial year coincides with the comprehensive rollout of "Basic Housing Units" which may lead to resettlement needs of tenants at sub-par subdivided units.

But that could be a problem if multiple transitional housing projects are not renewed as their operational periods end next year.

Lee says looking at current performances, Light Public Housing is more efficient in rollouts compared with transitional housing, and the government will continue to build more Light Public Housing if needed.

Lee says the government can also open community centres with bedspace offered to those who don't want to rely on public housing.

On the economy, Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan sets out 22 major indicators.

Among them, the blueprint only specifies that real GDP growth needs to be maintained within a "reasonable range."

John Lee explains the national 15th Five-Year Plan sets its indicators for economic growth the same way.

The city leader says on top of government efforts, economic growth is subject to a multitude of external factors that are hard to predict, such as the pandemic.

He notes over the next five years, the Northern Metropolis as well as innovation and technology will help create breakthroughs for Hong Kong's economy.

When asked about the possible dip in the unemployment rate, which recently rose to 3.8%, Lee says they wish to make the best predictions, but some factors are hard to anticipate including the rise of protectionism in international trade.

He says the government has tried to assist companies to drive employment including the promotion of advanced manufacturing with high added value.

Meanwhile, the Policy Address proposed establishing an "AI City Brain" to integrate monitoring systems across all government departments -- for better response and prevention of major incidents such as floods.

On whether the system will be connected to the police's surveillance system, Lee says the system's main objective is to strengthen urban management.

Finally, when asked if he has aspirations to complete two full terms as chief executive, Lee says it's important to have an uncluttered mind and to focus on the job at hand.

Lee adds the Wang Fuk Court fire has flagged various loopholes within the city's systems and execution, so reforms are necessary -- with multiple introduced in the Policy Address.