Can it happen here?

PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

The Straits Times reported about a rundown five-storey housing block that collapsed in Hung Hom, a district of Kowloon in Hong Kong, yesterday.

Two people have been confirmed dead while at least four others are missing. The residential block is more than 50 years old.

I would have just skimmed through the report if not for the pictures!

I thought the building resembles those privately owned and maintained buildings along Yong Siak Street.

That area is an eye sore of the Tiong Bahru Estate.

The facade is in need of a long overdue repainting job.

There are many electrical wires dangling everywhere ON THE OUTSIDE of the building!

Aren't electrical wires supposed to be keep away from the elements?

And rubbish is not kept in the bins but is left all over the place by some migrant scavenger.

There is this guy with grubby long hair who comes with a lady in a wheelchair in the evenings to scavenge.

I've no problem with the scavenging but am upset with the mess these people leave behind.

I really hope the recent fire along this street will not be forgotten but will be the catalyst for this street to be cleaned up ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Pictures contributed by Jo Turner