Squatters attack move
Squatters and temporary housing area residents yesterday attacked the means test, saying the Housing Authority wanted to divide them.
They said the measure had created disharmony among tenants as some were exempt while others were not.
'We have been dreaming of getting a proper home for years. But now our hopes have been shattered because of this late decision,' said Chik Man-yee, a tenant of the Pokfulam squatters' area for more than seven years.
'They demolished our homes against our wishes first, and they are doing it again by taking away our housing rights,' the mother of three said.
Chauffeur Ngan Chi-wing, 37, who lives in Fat Tseung Street Temporary Housing Area, Cheung Sha Wan, said: 'It has been very difficult for those exempted to speak out because they don't want to be seen as fat cats in the area.' Mr Ngan and his family moved into the area in April last year after being forced out of their nearby rooftop home.
'The Government has no right to invade families' privacy and ask them to declare all their savings, including any personal inheritance,' he said.
The family of five would not exceed the asset limit, set at $530,000, but Mr Ngan remained angry over the decision.
