Hong Kong’s young lament long wait for public housing, as allocation system faces court challenge
Critics say flats should be allocated based on need, not age, but authorities say limited resources do not allow for more detailed assessments of applicants
In his late 30s and jobless, Lee, who would rather go unnamed, is still living with his retired parents in their 120 sq ft home in Yau Ma Tei.
Suffering from psychological problems and a physical disability, Lee, who was wheelchair-bound for years, says he needs more living space to better recover.
“I barely speak to my parents except for quarrelling,” Lee said.
Surviving on a disability allowance of HK$1,650 a month and sometimes small handouts from his parents’ pension, Lee has been waiting a decade for public housing.
Before an overhaul of the allocation system for the flats came into effect last year which gave priority to older people, Lee was looking at two more years to get a flat, but now may need to wait 18.