The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) on Sunday said it is offering temporary accommodation to help people who are affected by its scheme to renovate lifts in old buildings.

The authority's managing director, Wai Chi-sing, wrote on his blog that around 1,000 residents from 300 buildings under the scheme had sought help, most of them elderly or people with mobility problems.

Wai said the authority is using its rehousing units to accommodate people with special needs, such as those with physical disabilities who are unable to use the stairs when lifts are suspended.

He added that the URA has also commissioned the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals to provide outreach services and deliver meals to people in need.