Hidden Reality: Life in Hong Kong's Cage Homes.

Summary

The video script presents a stark contrast between the bustling financial hub and the hidden struggles of Hong Kong's underprivileged. Despite its reputation for modern architecture and high living standards, the city grapples with economic inequality, with approximately 1.2 million people living below the poverty line. The narrative delves into the reality of living in 'sky slums' and 'cage homes,' where residents endure cramped, poorly ventilated conditions in makeshift rooftop houses or subdivided flats. The government's efforts to address this issue are complicated by a shortage of affordable housing and a growing demand, exacerbated by the city's dense population and limited land. The video also highlights the stories of individuals like Law Fug's family, who have lived in these conditions for over a decade, and the former real estate employee Alan, who has turned to farming in a bid to revive Hong Kong's agricultural past. The piece concludes by acknowledging the simple aspirations of these residents for basic human needs and the harsh reality that for some, these dreams may remain unfulfilled.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Hong Kong is a major financial and business hub with modern high-rise buildings, tourist attractions, and shopping areas, but it also has a side that many do not see.
• 🏡 There are people living in makeshift homes on rooftops of buildings, in 20-story buildings without elevators, which are dangerous and illegal.
• 👵 A middle-aged woman has lived in such a rooftop house for over 10 years and refuses to move, even with the opportunity for public housing.
• 💰 Hong Kong has a growing economic disparity, being one of the most economically unequal and expensive cities to live in, with the world's most expensive real estate.
• 📉 20 percent of Hong Kong's population, about 1.2 million people, live below the poverty line.
• 🏠 At least 170,000 people live in subdivided flats, also known as 'coffin homes' or 'box houses,' which are small, cramped, and lack privacy and ventilation.
• 🚫 The government banned cage homes but was replaced by coffin homes, which are even more cramped and lack basic necessities like sunlight and fresh air.
• 👷‍♂️ Many workers, especially those from China, lost their jobs due to the economic shift from industrial to service sectors and are not entitled to social welfare or public housing.
• 🏘️ Public housing is in high demand and not easily obtained; it is prioritized for families, leaving middle-aged and older individuals often last on the list.
• 🌾 Some people are returning to farming, trying to revive agriculture in areas that were once important agricultural regions but were abandoned.
• 🌃 The streets of Hong Kong are crowded, and some people find it more comfortable to sleep on the streets, highlighting the dire need for living space and a place to breathe.

Q & A

What is the alternative living arrangement for low-income people in Hong Kong where rents are high?

An alternative living arrangement for low-income people in Hong Kong is living on the roof of a building, which is dangerous and illegal.

What is the term used to describe the rooftop houses in Hong Kong?

The rooftop houses in Hong Kong are sometimes referred to as 'sky slums'.

What is the approximate usable living area for each family in a shared flat in Hong Kong?

In a shared flat in Hong Kong, the total usable living area is approximately 10 square meters per family.

What are the 'box houses' in Hong Kong, and why are they a concern?

Box houses are small, cramped living spaces in Hong Kong that lack privacy. They are a concern due to their size, lack of ventilation, and the absence of natural light.

What is the historical context of 'cage homes' in Hong Kong?

Cage homes in Hong Kong have been around since the 1950s and 60s when the population was growing due to the immigration of Chinese workers. They resemble livestock coops and were eventually banned by the government.

What is the term used for the small living spaces that replaced the banned cage homes in Hong Kong?

The term used for the small living spaces that replaced the banned cage homes is 'coffin homes'.

What is the economic disparity like in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is one of the world's most economically unequal cities with a significant gap between the wealthy and the poor, and it has the world's most expensive real estate.

What percentage of Hong Kong's population lives below the poverty line?

Around 20 percent of Hong Kong's population, or about 1.2 million people, live below the poverty line.

What is the situation regarding public housing in Hong Kong?

More than 50 percent of people in Hong Kong live in public housing, which is cheaper than market prices. However, obtaining allocated housing or a public housing project is not easy due to high demand and strict qualification requirements.

Why do some people choose to leave the city and return to farming?

Some people choose to leave the city and return to farming due to the overcrowding and the desire to reconnect with the land and a simpler way of life.

What is the current trend in Hong Kong regarding the interest in farming?

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in farming among Hong Kong people, with some even leaving their city lives to return to agriculture.

What is the main concern for the urban poor in Hong Kong regarding their living conditions?

The main concern for the urban poor in Hong Kong is meeting basic human needs, such as having a safe and affordable place to live.