Talk of the town：Housing Problem of Hong Kong
【明報專訊】The housing problem is always a bone of contention, with the public demanding a better government solution to solve such issues. Firstly, the price of a flat in Hong Kong is exceedingly high. According to a 2024 report, housing prices in Hong Kong have been the least affordable in the world for 14 consecutive years, requiring 16.7 years of living without any expenses to fully pay off the price of a flat.
Additionally, the housing quality is also a major concern in Hong Kong. Due to unaffordable housing prices, some disadvantaged groups in Hong Kong can only consider other housing options, such as cage homes (籠屋), cubicle apartments (板間房), and subdivided flats (劏房). The quality of these housing alternatives is low, with inadequate living space and a lack of safety and hygiene standards. These low-quality housing options pose potential life-threatening hazards, including infectious diseases and fire disasters.
Long waiting time for public housing
The government initiated public housing in the 1950s to provide affordable housing for eligible citizens. However, the waiting time for public housing is lengthy. Government statistics show that the average waiting time for public housing in 2024 is 5.5 years.
In recent years, the government has increased its housing supply by introducing Light Public Housing and cracking down on abuses of public housing.
Moreover, to ensure the quality of housing alternatives in Hong Kong and address the potential threats posed by subdivided flats, the recent Policy Address has introduced Basic Housing Units(簡樸房), requiring landlords to ensure their rental flats comply with government-set requirements.
■Grammar booster
A bone of contention
Something that two or more people argue about strongly over a long period of time.
E.g. The education system has long been a serious bone of contention.
■Gear up
1. Most of the high-income household in Hong Kong live in cubicle apartments.(True/False)
Fill in the blanks with the glossary below.
2.Due to the unemployment issue, the crime rate in that region is __________ high.
3. There are serious penalties for failure to __________ with the school rule.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
exceedingly (adv) 非常地
affordable (adj) 付得起的
lengthy (adj) 漫長的
comply (with) (v) 遵守
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第430期]
