1 Billion Appropriation to Promote Youth Dormitory Members Concerned about Impact on Customs Clearance Lu Weiguo Advocates Switching to Kai Tak Square Cabin

The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council today (16th) approved a new non-recurrent commitment amounting to $1 billion to launch a subsidy program to support non-governmental organizations in implementing youth hostel projects in hotels and hostels.

However, at the meeting, many members were concerned that the imminent customs clearance might affect the hotel industry's willingness to participate in the plan.

Lu Weiguo from the engineering field also proposed that the Kai Tak Square cabin hospital has a total of 2,700 units, suggesting that the authorities may consider converting it into a youth dormitory.

Chen Shaoxiong, a member of the election committee, said that with the introduction of the "New Ten Measures" in the Mainland, it has brought new hope for customs clearance to the citizens and the hotel industry. Does the government know whether the latest response from the hotel industry to the youth dormitory project is warm or cold?

He also pointed out that some people in the hotel industry once expressed to him that the five-year lease period required by the project was too long and would not be attractive to the industry. If the industry finally responded coldly, what countermeasures would the government have?

Liang Hongzheng, deputy director of the Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau, said that the citizens of Hong Kong and the hotel industry are looking forward to customs clearance. He admitted that customs clearance will have an impact on the plan, but he emphasized that the project is a youth development plan. It provides independent living space and value-added opportunities for young people. Those who have the ability to give back to the society, take the well-being of the youth as the greatest reliance.

He continued that after the policy was promulgated, many non-profit organizations (NGOs) and the hotel industry expressed their interest in participating in it to the government. Interested hotels can negotiate in detail.

Liang Hongzheng reiterated that according to the data of the Tourism Board, there are currently more than 80,000 hotel rooms in Hong Kong, and the government aims to provide 3,000 rooms for young people within 5 years.

No arrangements have been made to buy a hotel for long-term operation

"G19" member Xie Weiquan asked whether the authorities would consider purchasing a hotel to increase project flexibility: "I don't think buying a hotel is a waste of money, but an investment." In addition, he suggested that the authorities allow NGOs to invite private organizations familiar with hotel operations , to assist in the operation of the youth dormitory.

Liang Hongzheng admitted that the hotel is only a short-term option, and the authorities are building a long-term option for housing supply. However, buying a hotel is another policy, not in this plan, and there is no such arrangement for the time being.

He agrees that NGOs are one of the channels for assisting youth services. If NGOs think it is possible to invite private organizations to participate in the plan, the government will be happy to consider it.

"G19" member Xie Weiquan asked whether the authorities would consider purchasing a hotel to increase the flexibility of the project.

(Photo by Xia Jialang)

Lu Weiguo made a suggestion that Kai Tak shelter hospital currently has a total of 2,700 units, some buildings are 4 stories high, have elevators, independent bathrooms, and the location is convenient, close to Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong, which is convenient for young people's daily life and work. It would be a good idea to convert Defang Cabin Hospital into a youth dormitory or transitional housing.

Lu Weiguo believes that it is a good plan to convert the Kai Tak shelter hospital into a youth dormitory or transitional housing.

(Photo by Xia Jialang)

Transitional Housing｜Housewives living in a sub-divided room with kitchen and toilet, insomnia, anxiety, moving to Tongxin Village, improving mood The goal is to be able to live in the first quarter of next year. Xie Weiquan approved the completion of the youth dormitory as a slow unit. There are few doubts about the speed and efficiency of the government. It is only empty talk about renting a hotel and turning it into a youth dormitory.