Chungking 'facelift' fails to impress
I refer to the report about the so-called facelift of Chungking Mansions ('Back into the light', November 12).
Those who are impressed by what has been done have neglected to look behind the gaudy LED display.
If they had ventured up the side alley during the ceremony that marked the building's 'official 50th anniversary', they would have seen mounds of refuse and broken glass and could have followed the unpleasant-smelling trail through to the rear of the building and out to Minden Row. Inside the building, hygiene is only marginally better.
During the district council elections, we heard about councillors who had supposedly dedicated themselves to local affairs. This was certainly not the case in this ward. General conditions have deteriorated in recent years, particularly in Tsim Sha Tsui East. The more pleasant panorama on the streets in the western section is all the work of the Canton Road Business Association.
Meanwhile, on the eastern side, once vibrant streets like Mody Road are devoid of life. No action is being taken to tackle illegal parking, drivers using their horns, the foul air quality, obstruction of pavements during renovations, construction noise outside the stipulated hours, and dumping of waste on pavements. Our district councillors are supposed to tackle these problems.
As for Chungking and its 600 LED lights, the garish glare further accentuates the sleaze factor. Residents and visitors staying at the guest houses are bathed in flashing neon, another example of invasive and wasteful illumination. At a fraction of the cost of installing the light display, the management could have employed some extra security personnel and cleaners to tackle the hygiene problems.