Tai Po Housing Scheme Faces Criticism Over Cloud-Covered Site Maps
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Housing Authority has released sales brochures for Yan Nga Court and Hiu Nga Court, two public housing estates in Tai Po that form part of the government's Special Sale Scheme for Hung Fuk Estate fire victims. The official site maps feature red dots marking the housing locations while surrounding areas, streets, and infrastructure are concealed under thick white cloud overlays, drawing sharp criticism from netizens. The scheme is set to hold its lottery draw and begin flat selection in September, with residents facing an August 31 deadline to return their acceptance letters. The current acquisition price is approximately 30% higher than market prices before the fire, according to the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors.
Key Points
- Yan Nga Court on Sung Uk Road West offers 920 units, while Hiu Nga Court provides 627 units, with expected occupation by 2029
- The official brochures show only red dots for the estates, with aerial views blanketed by white clouds, blocking views of nearby surroundings and infrastructure
- Netizens have mocked the obscured maps, with comments suggesting the locations are "in heaven" or asking "what is there to choose from"
- Residents must submit acceptance letters by August 31 or their property rights will revert to market mechanisms, with possible legislative action
- Over 90% of Hung Fuk Estate residents have signed and returned their acceptance letters, with batch deadlines of June 30 and August 31
Why It Matters
The controversy over the cloud-covered maps raises questions about transparency in the government's handling of the displaced Hung Fuk Estate residents, some of whom lost loved ones in the tragic fire. With the September lottery approaching and a hard deadline for acceptance letters, residents need clear information about their future housing options to make informed decisions about their long-term accommodation .
The controversy over the cloud-covered maps raises questions about transparency in the government's handling of the displaced Hung Fuk Estate residents, some of whom lost loved ones in the tragic fire. With the September lottery approaching and a hard deadline for acceptance letters, residents need clear information about their future housing options to make informed decisions about their long-term accommodation .