Clutter of gleaming carbuncles threatens the rural soul of HK
As a proud indigenous villager, I feel I have to speak out about the rapidly changing face of the countryside. Like many across the New Territories, my village is experiencing a building boom. Everywhere you look, new houses are going up thick and fast. While I recognise that people should be allowed to build houses they need, the scale of building is beyond the genuine needs of villagers. What is happening on a massive scale is that poor indigenous villagers are selling their land and building rights to property developers.
I don't know whether this breaks any laws (if so, the authorities have been extremely lax in enforcing them), but the spirit of the small-house policy is blatantly being abused for profit. As a result, once beautiful open fields are blighted with gaudily tiled, faux-European monstrosities out of character with fine indigenous architecture. The lack of planning, with houses haphazardly squeezed into every available space, is lamentable and unnecessary - given the total amount of land available.
Besides physically scarring the countryside, the development has social implications. Many of the new houses are sold at prices local villagers cannot afford - with the result that comparatively rich newcomers live in high-walled, 'luxury' developments next to less well-off villagers, with no social interaction or contribution to village affairs. This is inherently divisive, and serves only to sow social discord.
If only the government took more notice of what is happening in its backyard it would see a unique landscape and a way of life worth saving. It could start with an urgent review of the small-house policy and measures to stop the profiteering and ensure more orderly development. But it would take a brave government to challenge the Heung Yee Kuk.
On a slightly different note, the New Territories is home to a wealth of quaint village houses, watchtowers and temples, many dating back a century or more. With the government finally taking notice of heritage, due to popular demand, it will be interesting to see whether it gives consideration to rural areas as well as urban. Will it do anything to preserve these wonderful old structures and reverse the years of neglect?
Perhaps it could start by helping to instil greater awareness and pride among the buildings' owners. Perhaps it could offer awards to best-kept historic houses and buildings. Even better, it could follow the example of Europe and offer the owners of worthy buildings restoration grants. Now that would be radical for this government!