Guess what? Poor Hongkongers and immigrant families who pay relatively extortionate rent for their tiny subdivided apartments are unhappy. Whowuddathunkit?
Apparently we needed a study to tell us that, so Hong Kong Polytechnic University stepped in.
According to the poll, undertaken with the help of the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, interviewees living in subdivided flats in Hong Kong’s North District rated themselves as an average of just 2.84 points out of 10 for happiness. Quite rightfully we feel, the report suggested that anything under four points is unacceptable.
Of the 101 families polled, 30 percent brought in a combined income of just HKD10,000, while the average monthly rent for a 100 sqft subdivided apartment/room was found to be HKD3,909.
Some dude with a calculator and a property magazine worked out that averages at more per square foot than some mansions in the same district. Doesn’t quite seem fair somehow, does it?
Those interviewed were unsurprisingly unconfident that the government will provide any assistance, saying the community services in the area are shoddy and they prefer to solve their own problems.
The study suggested the Community Care Fund, an organisation established to help Hong Kong’s poor, meet regularly with residents to listen to their needs.
We have a feeling they need better paid jobs, lower rent and more space. Just a hunch.
Photo: Benny Lam/SoCO
