In brief
The city's plan to phase out numerous small living spaces affects thousands who struggle with rising housing costs.
In the heart of Hong Kong, Liu Lanhua finds herself in a precarious living situation. Her cramped subdivided apartment in the Kwun Tong district serves as both her kitchen and bathroom, exposing her family's lack of space amidst the city’s growing income disparity. Liu and her 12-year-old daughter are part of a larger community of 220,000 residents residing in such divided homes, a stark reflection of the city's socio-economic struggles. However, an impending threat looms over her home. The Hong Kong government, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has announced plans to enforce minimum standards for these homes, signaling potential trouble for over 30,000 of the smallest subdivided units. Liu's apartment, lacking essential amenities like a sink, showcases the dire conditions many endure. She notes that even her pet turtles have been relegated to a makeshift living space beneath the fridge due to the cramped conditions. The Chinese government has nudged Hong Kong authorities to eradicate subdivided living spaces by 2049, linking the city’s housing crisis to the widespread protests that erupted in 2019. The push for these changes raises alarms among residents like Liu, who fear that increased regulation might culminate in soaring rents or even evictions, further exacerbating their already challenging circumstances.
