Temperatures in substandard housing in Hong Kong reached as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) over the past week, while about 40 per cent of tenants in such homes reported having poor quality or no windows, a concern group has found.
The results came from two studies published by the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) on Sunday, with the group calling on authorities to offer subsidies so tenants could buy cooling products.
SoCO also said that the living conditions of low-income families were unlikely to improve until regulations governing the standards for subdivided flats were fully implemented in 2030.
“That means the residents still have years to endure. Can the government offer some subsidies, such as coupons, to residents for purchasing cooling products?” said Sze Lai-shan, the group’s deputy director.
“The government can also subsidise their utility fees. We think the subsidy should be at least HK$200 [US$25] per person each month.”
The subsidies could cover products such as air conditioners, fans and heat-reduction curtains, among others, she suggested.
The government is set to present the relevant bill at the Legislative Council on Wednesday.
