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LettersHong Kong’s heritage – and shopkeepers’ livelihoods – must be preserved in Kwun Tong redevelopment
- While urban redevelopment may be inevitable, the government should be careful to protect stall owners and the local heritage they represent
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Kwun Tong is a thriving part of Hong Kong that is part of many generations’ precious collective memory (“There goes the neighbourhood”, March 3). It is common to see smiling stall owners, hear easy-going greetings and savour the aroma of local delicacies there. Most shopkeepers have close relationships with their neighbours.
However, the government has turned all of this into history with its redevelopment plan. While this is inevitable to improve the city’s image and deal with the safety problems caused by old buildings, I hope vulnerable shop owners and craftsmen will be respected and treated well.
One stall owner said, “Even if I get evicted, I would have to continue my business. I still have a family to support.”
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Many of these people have worked in Kwun Tong for decades, offering services that involve traditional craftsmanship, such as shoe or watch repair, in the heat and rain.
In contrast to the tech-savvy chain stores, small shops like the ones in Kwun Tong are unique. The government should consider granting these operators proper licences so they can continue their work elsewhere in Kwun Tong without losing too many customers. This would be a way of preserving our cultural heritage.
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Chloe Cheng, Lam Tin
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