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官方艺术家
Joanne Ooi
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BLOG: "Conserving Central": a slap in the face to HK's people

I just walked by the HK Govt's display at IFC on the same level as the footbridge, describing its plans to preserve some of Central's most historic architectural landmarks. This initiative was the centerpiece of Donald Tsang's policy address in 2009. While such a project is laudable and important if HK is to retain some of its unique historic character, it is ironically short-sighted.

The apparent purpose of such an initiative is to make HK a more attractive city -- literally. But the emphasis on optics is misplaced when one of the very pillars of our daily urban existence has crumbled. Of course, I refer to our air quality. Along with safe food and clean water, can there be a more universally important precondition to living in a society, ostensibly governed by leaders who seek to protect and advance the health and livelihood of residents? That said, spending money on buildings instead of people is actually a sort of slap in the face of the HK people!

No doubt "Conserving Central" is the centerpiece of Donald's effort to boost HK's standing among world cities. But fewer media and opinion leaders around the world take note of the paucity of historic buildings than our city's appalling air pollution. Thus, even if we do manage to upgrade the aesthetics of our urban center, will it upgrade our standing in the world? Of course not! Let's not forget that HK occupied the lower ranks of Gallup's recent Net Migration Index, with the likes of Iraq, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago. Respondents explained that our low ranking was the result of air pollution, traffic congestion and overcrowding.

"Conserving Central" is obviously a politically easy and facile way to demonstrate Tsang's leadership. After all, virtually all the affected buildings belong to the Govt itself, thereby sidestepping issues of vested private sector interests. But it is just a bandaid on the gaping wound of HK's environment.

When it comes to fiscal and policymaking priorities for HK, "Conserving Central" should be dessert, not the main course!

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14 年多 前 0 赞s  1 评论  0 shares
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I stopped by there yesterday and I spent a good 10 minutes reading through all the info. I think the purpose of the 'Conserving Central' display is to educate the public about the renewal and renovation plans of key public buildings in Central. The focus appears to be on history and architecture. Its not addressing economic issues, not addressing quality of life issues, not addressing transportation issues, not addressing air quality issues. In terms of history and architecture the display is interesting but of course speaks volumes by what it omits (ferry piers that are already gone to name just one thing...). Air quality is a big big issue in Hong Kong, but its not the only one that deserves being addressed.
14 年多 ago

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语言
english
位置(城市,国家)以英文标示
Hong Kong
性别
female
加入的时间
August 24, 2007