Editorial | Public safety must no longer be put at risk by illegal structures

The Hong Kong government has been beset with many problems over the years, but few as long-standing as the illegal structures and unlawful use of land commonly found throughout the city. Such abuse has been thrust into the public spotlight again after the worst rainstorm in more than a century washed away part of a slope and exposed serious violations of building safety and land laws in a luxury residential enclave overlooking the sea. The latest issue could well escalate into a political controversy if not handled properly.

The irregularities found at Redhill Peninsula are nothing new. Successive administrations have been embroiled in scandals involving top officials and celebrities breaking such rules. The stakes have been raised even higher following suggestions by a concern group that no fewer than 173 luxury houses are suspected to be occupying government land illegally. Using satellite images and government plot plans, Liber Research Community identified eight housing sites thought to have unauthorised features. Most properties have backyards built on government land, with an average area of nearly 600 sq ft, according to the group.

Authorities have long been accused of slack enforcement over illegal structures and land abuses. Findings by the group could well reinforce the perception that violations have not been tackled as they should, and therefore given property owners the impression they would somehow be tolerated as long as they did not come to the attention of the government.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government was “serious” about a crackdown, but added that it had to be realistic regarding enforcement. Lee was no doubt referring to the hundreds of thousands of such buildings in the city. “Pragmatically, we have to think of a way to address the problem. So we are adopting the policy of taking action according to the risk,” he said.

Development chief Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said authorities had in the past given priority to unauthorised structures in urban areas which could pose a higher risk to the public. Linn conceded that the illegal structures and unlawful use of land at Redhill Peninsula showed safety risks with detached homes overlooking the sea and on slopes were just as great.

The promise of wider inspections is a step in the right direction. This is not just to show the government will not turn a blind eye to breaches involving the rich and famous, but also to ensure public safety will not be compromised.