Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, arrived in Hong Kong on the morning of June 16 via the Shenzhen Bay Port to conduct an inspection and research visit focused on Hong Kong's alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and on advancing development of the Northern Metropolis.
During the morning, Xia visited the Light Public Housing ("simple housing") project on Yau Yuk Road, Yuen Long. He entered a flat to meet the first family to move into the Yau Yuk Road project, speaking with residents in a friendly exchange to learn about their living conditions and how they feel about the new housing.
A resident, Mrs. To, said Xia asked about the room facilities and their experience living there and also showed concern about how their living environment had changed. She said the family previously lived in a subdivided flat, where "everything was visible as soon as you entered," but the new unit is significantly larger, with separate rooms and dedicated space for the children.
Mr. To said that after speaking with Xia, he felt both Xia and Hong Kong's chief executive cared deeply about residents' housing conditions, which made the family very happy.
Mr. To added that their previous home was extremely cramped—about 120 square feet—and not cheap. Including rent and other expenses such as utilities and refuse charges, the total cost exceeded HK$6,000 per month. In contrast, their current Light Public Housing unit costs much less—around HK$1,000-plus. With a more spacious environment, cleaner air, and expanded living space, he said the family's mood has become much more positive.
Asked how he felt about waiting for the allocation of public rental housing, Mr. To said that while waiting in a subdivided flat felt endless, living in light public housing has changed his mindset—whether the public-housing allocation comes sooner or later is no longer a concern. He said the current living experience feels comfortable and reassuring, and receiving an eventual public-housing allocation will make him even happier.
Related News:
Hong Kong aligns with National 15th Five-Year Plan as Xia Baolong conducts research visit
Comment