Swimming and fishing are two activities that many residents and visitors appreciate around the islands. But in Hong Kong, a policy maker’s suggestion combining the two has led to an angry response. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.
Hong Kong’s chief executive writes a blog…and from time to time uses it to informally float a few ideas. His latest thoughts concern fishing, and swimming…at lunch time. Leung Chung-ying suggested that the city mark out several fishing zones on the waterfront of Central—Hong Kong’s business district, along with a “swimming shed.”
A swimming shed is a simple building where people can change clothes and would be able to take a quick dip….in Hong Kong Harbor. If you’ve ever seen…or smelled…the waters of Hong Kong Harbor you might question whether swimming or fishing there is a good idea.
But city officials are quick to point out the water pollution’s not nearly as bad as it used to be. Leung wrote that such facilities would allow the “working class” to have “a simple lunch” and then “make use of the remaining 45 minutes to fish along the shore.” Some reactions did mention pollution…but a bigger focus was lunch time itself.
Instant critiques ranged from the idea that 45 minutes is not long enough to fish…to the point that just lining up to buy lunch in Central takes a lot longer than 15 minutes. And one online observer appeared to speak for many when he questioned the priorities of the Hong Kong government---asking simply, “Fishing spot or affordable housing?”
