I write regarding the apparent lack of government interest in the plight of our citizens living in appalling third-world conditions in our great city. Since my last letter was published on this subject ('Government has the means but not the will to eradicate cage hostels', December 16) I have been made aware of government figures that establish the problem is at least as great as I indicated - that is, close to 100,000 people are living in totally unacceptable conditions. These figures are despite what appears to be an attempt to massage the definition of poor housing and discount the effect of redevelopments by the Urban Renewal Authority in key areas, which suggest, on the surface, that the numbers have fallen. The actual figure is probably closer to 200,000, or about 3 per cent of the population. I have been disappointed, but not, perhaps, surprised that there has been no response from the government to my letter. I have, however, received many messages supporting the central theme of my concern. Clearly it is an issue with which compassionate and decent people identify. All governments face challenges and solutions often present very real difficulties. The relatively widespread existence of poor housing in Hong Kong is such an issue as it strikes at the very foundations of decency and will cost money to eradicate. In addition to this extreme social inequality, many people in Hong Kong believe that the issue of poor housing is directly linked to the financial interests of real estate developers. The widespread perception exists that the Hong Kong government is thus beholden to the 'fat cats'. This is inevitably eroding respect for the administration's authority and leading to an assumption that our government is not governing in the interests of ordinary people. This situation has implications for the current administration. I venture to suggest the current wave of discontent in Hong Kong, especially among the young, is in part due to a feeling of being disenfranchised and unable to influence events of the future. If our government representatives continue to adopt an uncommunicative and aloof attitude and fail to address the plight of Hong Kong people, adversity could very easily translate into anger. I urge Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng to reassure the people of Hong Kong that the provision of a decent minimum standard of housing is indeed the goal of the Hong Kong government. Tony Price, Tung Chung