The announcement of rental charges for a government-built senior housing project has met with blowback, with some residents saying the sums are too high.
The authorities have set rents of between 5,410 to 6,680 patacas each month for units at the development in Areia Preta, which consists of some 1,800 flats set in hotel-style towers, along with a clubhouse, shops and community facilities.
One resident in his sixties called a TDM talkback programme on Tuesday to voice his worries, stating that “Elderly people of that age don’t have any income. Even if they do have income, it’s miniscule.”
The issue of affordability was also echoed by a social worker interviewed by TDM, who pointed out that the scheme was only suitable for elderly people who had achieved financial security.
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That point was not disputed by Hon Wai, director of the Social Welfare Bureau, who told the broadcaster that the housing was aimed at providing a higher standard of accommodation to tenement residents who were elderly but financially independent.
Flats at the scheme will be open for application from 6 November, with units allocated on a points-based system.
Residents will be able to lease the flats for a three-year term, which is renewable.
