'More efforts' to focus on housing, subdivided flats

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu says efforts will focus on dealing with land supply and housing problems, along with the issue of subdivided flats.

Lee went on a walkabout yesterday in Yuen Long to collect views for his policy address next month and met a family of four living in a subdivided flat.

"Their living space is cramped and poor. It is not only uncomfortable, but it also hampers the children's learning and growth," Lee said. He also noted that the study, kitchen and laundry areas were all combined into one area.

Apart from the limited space, the family could not afford special-interest classes for the two children, and so the daughter had to self-learn calligraphy and drawing at home, while her brother had to rely on his school's free Chinese drum lessons.

"I hope the light public housing can help more underprivileged and grassroots families to improve their living environment and create more opportunities for the next generation," Lee said.

A resident living on the roof of the same building, Ms Lau, did not have a chance to air her grievances to Lee. She said she wanted to say that light public housing - the temporary rental housing for those living in poor environments before they get a public rental housing flat - will not help.

Lee then walked down Yuen Long New Street, a blackspot for shop front extensions and littering, and said the work of the district coordination task force conducted during the past year showed significant improvement.

"It has made residents in the district more willing to do their shopping in the wet market, which also improves vendors' business, achieving a win-win situation," Lee said.

But residents at the scene yelled out a different story. "The street will just be clean for a period of time only, shops will put their stuff back on the road once [the chief executive] leaves," they said.

A shopkeeper, Ms Cheung, said: "Speaking of shop front extensions, it is just two to three feet, putting everything inside the shop is hard for us to do business, as we only have limited space, I only put my goods two to three feet outside."

Like many, she felt they did not personally get a chance to directly voice their concerns to Lee.

Lee later entered a restaurant at around 10am and had a chat with patrons inside. Mr Wong said he hopes Lee can improve the economy and people's livelihoods more. A child, Martha, said: "We are happy to see him in Yuen Long."

Lastly, Lee said a care team for Yuen Long will be set up under the Home Affairs Department.

He also responded to the recent unauthorized structures scandals, as he said the government will definitely enforce the law and the inspection timetable is prioritized on the types of threat it poses. A nongovernment organization Liber Research Community said at least 173 detached houses were unlawfully occupying government land.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com