'Consult Welfare Experts Before Buying Properties'

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Chua Hoi-wai, has urged the government to consult experts before buying any private properties for welfare use.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan had announced in his budget on Wednesday that the government will spend around HK$20 billion dollars to buy at least 60 private units to house welfare facilities such as childcare and elderly centres.

But the plan has come under skepticism from critics who say the plan will benefit landlords or push up property prices.

Chua, for his part, stressed the proposal will be hugely beneficial to the elderly and working mothers. To allay the society’s concerns, he said the government should increase its transparency and consult welfare professionals before making the purchases to make sure the sites are suitable and can readily meet people's needs.

“We should be very cautious not to jack up the property prices. I believe that the government’s procurement policy could have some special measures on this. And I also think that some related professionals can be involved, and the public and also the Legislative Council can have some monitoring measure”, Chua said.