Former Hong Kong chief secretary David Akers-Jones once said, “Don’t let the best be the enemy of the good,” emphasizing the importance of taking action promptly for the benefit of the people. In a similar vein, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has launched a task force to address issues in subdivided housing, aiming to set minimum standards for living conditions.
The task force, led by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun, is working towards improving the situation in these cramped living spaces, proposing guidelines such as a minimum unit size of 100 sq ft, better hygiene standards, and fire safety protocols. The aim is to tackle the social deprivation faced by many Hong Kong residents living in substandard conditions.
While long-term solutions involve an increase in public housing units, initiatives like “light public housing” offer interim relief to those in need. By considering both immediate and future plans, Hong Kong is striving to find a balance between perfection and practicality in addressing its housing crisis.
Mike Rowse, an independent commentator, observes these efforts with optimism