The housing quandary in Hong Kong can get people hot under the collar, so much so that even a top mainland official recently weighed in with an unusual but well-intentioned goal for the city – get rid of the notorious subdivided flats and caged homes by 2049, when the nation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Far off as it seems, the goal of achieving “zero subdivided flats” in 28 years is a tall order for a place where hundreds of thousands of people live in such shameful dwellings. But coming at a time of monumental paradigm shifts on the political and social fronts, it is a reminder that whoever is at the helm must work harder to make housing more affordable. The remarks by the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director, Xia Baolong, show that national security is not the only issue that worries Beijing. While the perceived security loopholes are being plugged with an ongoing series of legal and electoral revamps, social ills such as partitioned flats, elderly welfare, youth employment and other livelihood matters are still very much on Beijing’s mind. The state’s growing emphasis on comprehensive jurisdiction over the city means Hong Kong officials may face more pressure in a wide range of policy areas. Unlike before, when state leaders only urged the government to tackle deep-seated conflicts in general terms, this is the first time a time frame has been floated for a specific problem. It would be good if the bold vision prompts local authorities to work harder. So far, no chief executives have had the political will to phase out subdivided flats. The proposed bill by Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to regulate the market has actually fuelled concerns that it may worsen the problem. We trust Lam is feeling the heat now that the housing issue is tied with the PRC’s 100th anniversary. Under the governance model of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong”, Beijing will not tread on the city’s promised high degree of autonomy lightly. The hope that housing woes will be resolved by 2049 underlines Beijing’s concerns for people’s well-being, without which prosperity and stability cannot be achieved. Lam has yet to make clear whether she will seek re-election. While she said it was the duty of every administration to work hard on various policy areas, land and housing supply requires the support of lawmakers and the public. Hong Kong finance chief calls for determination in tackling housing, wealth gap The response does not instil confidence that Beijing’s words will be taken on board with a sense of urgency. Meanwhile, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po pledged to cut red tape to speed up land supply. There needs to be greater political will and commitment if the admirable goal of “zero subdivided flats” is ever to be achieved.