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Repairing Facilities and Strengthening Neighbourhood Relations

Repairing Facilities and Strengthening Neighbourhood Relations

Liu Po Wah, Building-in-charge of Yin Chee Lau 

Liu Po Wah finds fulfillment in the simple life of Kwun Tong Garden Estate, where he has lived and worked for over three decades.

Over 30 years ago, when Liu Po Wah first started patrolling the carpark, there were no barriers nor security guards in place. He would simply tag and impound unauthorised vehicles on sight. “A drunken resident whose car was impounded felt so angry that he came to my door and yelled at me. I was afraid of causing trouble for my family, so I talked to his parents, and he later apologised. After he grew up, he laughed about his youthful recklessness whenever this incident was brought up.” Liu was fascinated by the dynamics of neighbourhood relations whenever he talked about this.

In 1990, just after Liu got married, he hoped to find a place to settle down. He found that the Hong Kong Housing Society (“HKHS”) was recruiting a building-in-charge for Kwun Tong Garden Estate. Having lived in Lok Man Sun Chuen and Cho Yiu Chuen before, he knew that HKHS was good at managing properties. Additionally, he was skilful at repair works and bore an electrical worker certificate, which made him believe that he was competent at the job. Therefore, he decided to switch from his previous job as a technician at the MTR Corporation. HKHS also arranged for his transfer to Kwun Tong Garden Estate. Since then, Yin Chee Lau became Liu’s home and workplace. He lived a simple life and rarely left home except for work, so he could have more spare time to spend with his daughter and grocery shopping with his wife in Kwun Tong, living an ordinary life like other residents. Their everyday stories pieced together to reveal the precious history of Kwun Tong Garden Estate.

On workdays, Liu dressed in a light blue uniform, carries a waist pouch containing his work mobile phone, with two large sets of keys in his pocket. Once he steps out of his unit and into the corridor, he has officially entered his work zone. He starts his day by reporting to the Lotus Tower office, going over maintenance logs, and then heading back to Yin Chee Lau to deal with any repair works, patrol and cover for colleagues in other blocks whenever necessary. The security station in each block is equipped with a sturdy toolbox kept for long-term use. Liu offers assistance on all occasions from minor issues to major emergencies, including leaks and drips, power outages, trapped elevators, drain clearing, water main bursts, and even providing assistance to firemen, police constables or healthcare personnel.

As a building-in-charge, he sometimes acts as a mediator too. In the event of any complaints made between two households, he will step in to mediate, hoping to achieve mutual understanding, reach a compromise, and improve their relationship. “Do back down when doing something wrong, no matter the mistakes are made by neighbours, family members, residents or colleagues.”

Remembering faces and doorplates

In his decades-long career at Kwun Tong Garden Estate, Liu’s approach to treating people and incidents has fostered harmonious relationships with both colleagues and residents. Many residents, especially those who are still living in Kwun Tong Garden Estate, have been part of the community for years from their youth to retirement. The long ramp path between Wah Mei Lau and Pak Ling Lau becomes the place where he often stops to greet these familiar faces. During the interview, he encountered an elderly man wearing a hat, and they exchanged greetings. “He’s in his 80s, does morning exercises on the stairs at 5 am every day, and has three lovely daughters. His wife passed away long ago, and he took care of his mother-in-law…” When telling the story of a family, Liu even recounts the specific blocks and doorplates they resided in.

After all, they are not just a building supervisor and residents, but also neighbours who have been living on the same estate for decades. Various changes may be found on the same floor each day. Liu pays special attention to the elderly residents who live alone. “I am particularly careful about what I see and smell. In case of any doubt, I check the water meter and then consult with the manager for further action.” When elderly residents need help with repairs, he helps right away if the task is not too complicated, such as tightening a screw or teaching them how to change the TV channels. “Sometimes, they really treat you like a family member. When I started my work at Kwun Tong Garden Estate, they were in their forties. As the years passed, they aged into their seventies and eighties, and some passed away. Of course, it makes me sad since we’ve been in each other’s lives for so many years.”

Always lending a helping hand

“The most important thing is to enjoy what you do. Having money is nice, but being happy is just as crucial.” That’s why Liu is willing to stay on call if there is an emergency in the estate even after work. “If there’s something really out of our scope, I’ll provide suggestions or resolutions for residents.”

Liu finds immeasurable joy in his work. “When neighbours, residents or kids address me and call me Mr Liu, I will feel happy. It demonstrates a kind of respect and appreciation from people.” The trust he has earned over the years allows him to tackle problems effectively. While he takes pleasure in assisting others, he is also willing to lend a listening ear even if he cannot offer a definite solution. “You may not be able to help them, but by being a listener, you hope that they are able to resolve the issues or cope with the sad emotions.” One of his tricks is, “Smile more at people and they’ll be more willing to accept you.”

In Liu’s eyes, Kwun Tong Garden Estate is just a simple, convenient and secure neighbourhood. There is a “secret garden” outside Yin Chee Lau, where residents can grow crops. He once planted radishes there, and ended up eating all of them. At the end of the corridor, the view extends to the sea, “It’s quite airy here”. As the breeze brings seeds to Kwun Tong Garden Estate, it is Liu who quietly waters them, ensuring a fruitful harvest from the garden.

細遊花園

Kwun Tong Garden Estate
Documentary Project

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