Q How should Kwun Tong be redeveloped?
Kwun Tong is a historical district. However, it has many problems such as traffic congestion, urban decay and lack of planning and zoning to meet the needs of its residents.
I am a resident of Kwun Tong and I believe it should be redeveloped. Some private enterprises have already started the renewal process. For instance, the shopping centre, APM, constructed by Sun Hung Kai Properties, has also encouraged upgrades at the places nearby. It is believed that APM will be a landmark providing high-order goods and services in Kwun Tong.
The Urban Renewal Authority should mainly focus on the redevelopment of housing and roads. Most buildings in Kwun Tong are too close together, creating slums as well as noise and air pollution from vehicles and hawkers. This creates a poor living environment. Irregular road patterns cause traffic jams and pollution.
Although the University of Hong Kong survey found 70 per cent of people living there prefer redevelopment, there are limits. The most difficult problem faced by the government would be compensation and resettlement of people.
But if people want to live in a good environment, they should co-operate with the government's efforts.
Yick Ming Yan, Kwun Tong