A Place of Dignity and Hope

Hello Great Ones,

Dominating the skyline view, looking south from my rooftop, is the Lei Muk Shue public housing estate.  Public housing estates are all over Hong Kong and house the majority of its population.  To qualify for public housing one has to been in a low economic bracket.  Yet, unlike slummy public housing projects in other parts of the world Hong Kong's public housing estates are well maintained, have lots of parks and green space, which fosters a comfortable community spirit.  The size of the apartments range from 200 to 400 square feet.  Unreal small, and there are usually 3-5 people living in this space. @38 000 people call Lei Muk Shue estate home. Wow! Thankfully the weather in Hong Kong is decent so most people are outside throughout the day "hanging out," or busy at school and work.  However, public housing estates are so popular that there is a two to three year waiting list to get in.  Those that are not in public housing sadly suffer severe overcrowding in seedy, old apartment buildings that should be condemned.  Yet, public housing offers hope and dignity and is another reason why Hong Kong is a great place for so many people.    

Lei Muk Shue public housing estate are the buildings to your left.  The smaller building in the middle of the pic also belongs to LMS esate

The buildings of Lei Muk Shue rise high over Wo Yi Hop road.

The buildings of the estate tower over you like mountains.

Clothes are hanging out to dry from seemingly ever window of the estate.

On the grounds of the estate there are playgrounds, parks and old men playing ma jong.

Covered walkways are great against the rain.

A stone walk for old people to exercise their feet.

Young people playground, old people exercise chairs.

A mall located in the middle of the estate has everything you could possibly need.

Handy advise for an escalator.

A wet market in the basement of the mall is a feast for sight, sound, and smell.

Public transport station located at the estate ensures the @38000 people have a way of getting out of the estate.

I think Public Housing estates is another reason why Hong Kong is great. Having the government provide accessible housing for all people gives them dignity and hope.

Have a great week everyone.

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk