Squatters admit illegal use of government land on Mission Hill, blame lack of sports facilities

Illegal structures built over many years on the slopes of Mission Hill in Shek Kip Mei have come under renewed scrutiny after residents complained that parts of the hillside had been unlawfully occupied and developed into makeshift recreational facilities, shrines, and even a so-called “Mao Zedong Cultural Museum.”

The Lands Department earlier posted notices at the site and, together with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, carried out a clearance operation on Monday, removing a large quantity of miscellaneous items and structures.

Speaking on a radio program on Wednesday, Li, who described herself as the chairwoman of the “Mission Hill Sports Association” and manager of the site, said structures had been erected there for about 20 years.

She acknowledged the land is government property and admitted the constructions are illegal, but accused the government of failing to address residents’ demands for adequate sports and recreational facilities.

Li said that following recent engineering works near the former Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, residents “have nowhere to play,” prompting them to further build facilities so people could exercise. She said activities at the site, including previously erected facilities, have been taking place for two decades.

“I serve the people, I serve the general public,” she said, adding that a lack of recreational facilities has left residents in poor spirits and feeling angry.

She criticized some officials for being more interested in taking photos and “checking in” than helping ordinary residents, and said she had repeatedly contacted the government to request additional recreational facilities at the site but received no response. She claimed government officers and lawmakers would “avoid her whenever they see me.”

Sham Shui Po District Councilor Chan Kwok-wai, speaking on the same program, said residents involved in erecting the illegal structures had indeed contacted him, but he could not assist because the acts were unlawful.

Chan said government departments had taken action in recent days to remove the unauthorized structures. He added that during the previous term of the District Council, the government had also attempted to carry out clearance operations at Mission Hill, but encountered strong opposition from some residents and differing views within the community.

Given the large scale and multiple locations involved, Chan said it is reasonable for the authorities to handle the clearance in batches.

He said the illegal structures should ultimately be completely removed.

Regarding claims that residents lack recreational facilities, Chan said that, regardless of the motivation, occupying government land is illegal. He also questioned whether the hillside environment is suitable for large-scale development of facilities, saying this is an issue that requires careful study.