Above: In a nonviolent protest, rooftop dwellers sit silently beside a banner reading. "The officials have so much power that the residents are being kicked around like balls."

From the rooftops Photos and text by Vicky Tsang

In December 1994, rooftop dwellers from the Chek Ming Building set up tents outside the Tsuen Wan District Office. They came out to protest against the Authority for clearing away their rooftop residences. The residents argued that they have paid property taxes and thus should be rehoused. This led to a heated debate on whether the government should bear responsibility for relocating these residents.

Daa Siu-yan, a traditional Chinese curse, was one of the expressions used in the petition. Ms. Ho Siu-mui, 65, hosted the ceremony by shouting the name of the head of the Buildings Department, Mrs. Yu Lai Ching Ping.

Left: The children might not have understood what was happening, but here they shout as loudly as they can: "Don't demolish our houses. Otherwise, provide us with proper rehousing."