The Hong Kong government is looking to develop the city’s less populated rural areas.
The villagers of Wang Chau in Hong Kong are fighting hard to save their homes, after the government served them an eviction notice, asking them to leave the area by 2018.
This comes as the government looks to rural areas for new housing developments.
Some politicians explained that the move to expand into less populated rural areas is essential, considering the difficulty in finding affordable homes in densely packed urban areas, reported AFP.
Critics, however, believe that the government’s approach will only benefit private developers and rural elites.
In fact, lawmaker and environment campaigner Eddie Chu claims Hong Kong’s housing and land policy reflects “vested interests and organisations”.
Chu revealed that the shadowy system allows rural leaders and developers to wield significant influence on the city’s development plans.
“The government only does these backroom negotiations with rural leaders while shutting their ears to the people who actually live here, sweeping us out like rubbish,” said Wang Chau resident Lo Kuen, during a tearful representation in parliament last November.
Another proposal to develop Hong Kong’s northeastern section was also met with protests, which saw demonstrators storming the parliament building.
“Where can we move to when the countryside and farmland have all become government targets for development?” said Becky Au, a resident of the northeastern village of Ma Shi Po.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
