The grim reality of life in Hong Kong’s ‘coffin homes’ | Talking Post with Yonden Lhatoo

Summary

The video script sheds light on Hong Kong's affordable housing crisis, highlighting the plight of over 210,000 people living in subdivided flats and cage homes. It features activist Cai Shan, who has dedicated over two decades to advocating for the underprivileged. Despite a government pledge to address the issue by 2049, the reality remains grim, with many living in squalor and facing long waits for public housing. The script emphasizes the need for awareness and societal support to improve living conditions.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Hong Kong, despite its prosperity, faces a severe affordable housing crisis with over 210,000 people living in subdivided flats.
• 💡 CI Shan Wa is a dedicated social worker who has spent over 20 years advocating for better living conditions for the underprivileged.
• 🗓️ China's top official has set a deadline of 2049 for Hong Kong to eliminate unacceptable housing conditions.
• 🏠 Subdivided units in Hong Kong are alarmingly small, averaging just 11 square meters, even smaller than an average parking space.
• 📉 The prevalence of metal cage homes has decreased, but 'upgraded' alternatives like coffin homes still offer inadequate living conditions.
• 🤝 Social workers like Cai Shan provide essential support to those living in these conditions, including food coupons and housing applications.
• 👴 Many retirees in these conditions rely on government welfare payments, which are barely sufficient to cover their rent and basic needs.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families, including children, are forced to live in these cramped spaces, sharing limited facilities and struggling with high rent.
• 📈 The demand for public housing is overwhelming, with over 133,000 people on the waiting list and waiting times that can exceed a decade.
• 🏢 Hong Kong's leader, Chief Executive John Lee, has prioritized affordable housing, but the timeline for significant improvements is lengthy.
• 🙏 The script emphasizes the importance of awareness and gratitude for those who live in better conditions, while advocating for policy changes to address the housing crisis.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the transcript?

The main issue discussed in the transcript is the chronic shortage of affordable housing in Hong Kong, particularly the squalid living conditions of the underprivileged who live in subdivided flats and cage homes.

Who is Ci Shan Wa and what is her role?

Ci Shan Wa is a tireless campaigner for the downtrodden who has spent over 20 years helping them secure a roof over their heads or trying to ease their suffering in cramped living conditions.

What is the deadline set by China's top official for Hong Kong to rid itself of unacceptable housing?

China's top official responsible for Hong Kong Affairs has given the local government a clear deadline to rid the city of such unacceptable housing by 2049.

What is the average size and median monthly rent of the subdivided units in Hong Kong?

The average size of the subdivided units is a measly 118 square feet or 11 square meters, and the median monthly rent is $5,000.

How does the living condition in the subdivided units compare to the average parking space in Hong Kong?

The average size of the subdivided units is even smaller than the average parking space in a city that boasts of the highest number of Rolls-Royces per capita.

What challenges did social workers face during the COVID-19 pandemic when visiting the subdivided units?

During COVID-19, social workers faced challenges such as curtailed movements, the difficulty of isolating infected individuals in such small spaces, and the need to deliver masks and support to the residents.

What is the current situation with public housing in Hong Kong?

More than 133,000 hopefuls are currently in the queue for public housing, with some waiting up to 10 years, indicating a daunting prospect for those in need.

How does the government plan to address the housing problem?

The government aims to look at all the homes like these and decide which is up to living standards and which is below, with the intention of shutting down those that do not meet standards.

What is the role of social workers like Cai Shan in supporting tenants in subdivided units?

Social workers like Cai Shan provide additional support to tenants by regularly visiting them to hand out food coupons and help them apply for better housing.

What is the perspective of the residents living in these conditions about the government's ability to provide better housing?

Many residents, like Uncle Lang, have no faith in the government's ability to provide better housing, having been through the process before and seeing little improvement.

What is the significance of the 2049 deadline mentioned in the transcript?

The 2049 deadline signifies that the government has around 26 years left to meet the target of eliminating cramped and unsuitable accommodation in the city, as set by the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director.