Page 213 - 梁文燕紀念中學（沙田）－青苗文集

The Creative Collection of the Budding Writers

the city’s health, social care and welfare system.
Locals now have to wait for a long time to receive
a medical scan or follow-up operation in public
hospitals. On the other hand, the number of
people getting Comprehensive Social Security
Assistance is rising, and the gap between
the rich and the poor is widening. The mail
services are suffering from losses. Occupational
training programmes are either unsuccessful or not properly funded. All in all, an
unsustainable increase on public services spending is building up the pressure. The
living standards of the locals are declining and confidence among citizens of the
government are falling as a result.
A lack of recreational facilities is also
notable. There are not many major parks in the
downtown area and it is difficult to find stadiums
or sports centres that are of international
standard. Parts of the island-side harbour
waterfront promenade has to make way for a new
high-speed bypass to solve traffic congestion,
whereas the development (or lack thereof) of
West Kowloon Cultural District disappoints most
citizens. Having enough recreation space is a
key element for healthy communities and a sustainable city. Bare bricks and steel
will not cheer up the public. People want places that allows them to relax and enjoy
near their homes, and that could well be what Hong Kong is missing.
Social problems caused by an overcrowded city cast a shadow on Hong
Kong’s profile. Declining living quality would scare off investment and high-skilled
immigrants. Eventually, locals, too, may choose to vote by foot.

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