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Parting sorrows in Diamond Hill squatters

The Young Reporter (2001, March), 33(06), pp. 6, 7.
Author: Chandra Wong.
Permanent URL - https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/bujspa/purl.php?&did=bujspa0014845

Chandra Wong

DIAMOND HILL has no diamond, but is a place of squatters and hamlets. Diamond Hill Squatter Area, including Tai Hom Village and Ha Yuen Leng Village, is a neighborhood with closely packed houses, matchbox flats and narrow alleys. . This crowded living environment created a unique way of life. Also, it contributed Part of the Hong Kong History during 1960s to 1990s.

But soon enough, the squatter area will become history itself. Due to the new urban replanning, the area will turn into a public housing estate.

The clearance should have been started in November 2000. Residents, however, vowed not to move out until their demands for fair compensation and local re-housing had been met. Massive protest was launched. Hundred of discontented residents rejected the Housing Authority bid to take over the site. After a negotiation with the Authority, the protest has finally settled with a Postponement of the clearance to February 13, 2001.

Most houses in the squatter are now vacated. Chains and locks were used to prohibit the misuse of desolated houses. Those who remain at the site are mostly immigrants from China, children and elderly. Despite the fact of the clearance, residents still treasure their remaining time at Diamond Hill.

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