Residents in Kwun Tong have criticised the government after they were given just three months to pull down unauthorised walls blocking the balconies in their flats.
About 350 households in Yuet Wah Street received removal orders last week to demolish the illegal concrete or aluminium structures, which were erected to enlarge their living rooms or bedrooms, and return their balconies to the original state.
Tang Hing-lau, 75, who owns a flat in Yuet Ming Building, one of those affected, said: 'The government has the right to do so, but it is totally inconsiderate.'
He said 272 households in the building had each paid more than HK$38,000 last year to repair the exterior walls and public areas of the building.
Mr Tang said the repair works in three blocks of the building, which range from 35 to 42 years old, had been approved by the Buildings Department.
But a department spokeswoman said it could not confirm whether permission had been granted.
