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Hong Kong authorities have begun clearance operations on a plot of government land in Sham Shui Po which, for years, had been unlawfully occupied by elderly residents as a community space.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Government contractors arrived at the Mission Hill – or Woh Chai Shan – slope on Wednesday morning and began carting away exercise equipment and benches. Residents who live nearby and frequent the hillside space say the facilities have been there for over 20 years.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.In a Monday Facebook post, the Home Affairs Department said the two-phase clearance operation would begin on Wednesday, adding that it would enhance safety standards in the area and provide residents with upgraded facilities.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.The issue of illegal occupation of government land on Woh Chai Shan has been a “stubborn and long-standing” regional problem in Sham Shui Po district for over a decade,” the department said in Chinese.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.The clearance operations will be split into two phases, covering two areas of the hillside. The Lands Department posted statutory notices on Monday requiring residents to cease occupying the plot by Wednesday.
After the government first moved to clear out the community-built hillside park this January, residents expressed concern that they would no longer have recreational facilities once the hillside was cleared.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.The Home Affairs Department said that its optimisation scheme will “[enhance] the recreational and sports facilities on Woh Chai Shan while rectifying locations with hidden safety hazards.”
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.“Upon completion of the optimisation scheme, citizens will be able to engage in activities such as table tennis and fitness on Woh Chai Shan in a safer and more comfortable environment, bringing an improved leisure and sports experience to local residents,” the statement read.
The government expects the clearance operations to be completed between late August and September.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Authorities will then restore signage on the hill, install safe seating to replace makeshift seats, repair railings along mountain paths, and add table tennis tables at safe locations on the hill, the statement read.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Clearance operations begin at Mission Hill in Sham Shui Po begin on August 12, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
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