Hong Kong authorities have failed to meet targets on the supply and construction of youth hostels, with the number of flats offered accounting for only 44 per cent of what was intended, an audit report has found.

The Audit Commission on Wednesday released its report reviewing the government’s development and management of the facilities under the Youth Hostel Scheme, which covered seven hostels, including two that had been completed and were in operation.

The review found that as of December last year, only 1,326 flats were offered at the two hostels in operation, while the seven facilities were expected to provide a total of 2,877 flats.

The 1,326 flats represented just 44 per cent of the government’s target to have the first batch of 3,000 flats ready.

The review also found that the time required to complete the construction of five hostels was three to 11 years longer than their respective original expected completion dates, and up to 2.5 years longer than their respective revised expected completion dates.

The government had not sought funding approval for the construction works, nor specified the completion time frame for the remaining two hostels, according to the report.