Page 14 - IAV Digital Magazine #574

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Tiny House Trapped Between Lanes of Massive Motorway Bridge In China
By WAMKB Karunarathna
Because of the construction of a highway over- pass in Guangzhou, China, a home- owner’s little house is now crammed between traffic lanes. Despite offers of alternate accommodation and compensa- tion from the Chinese govern- ment, the owner refused to move.
According to
reports from Guangzhou locals, they were urged to leave their homes to make way for demolition. One homeowner, Liang, disclosed that she turned down the offer since the govern- ment had failed to supply her with a suitable replacement resi- dence in a desir- able region.
Liang’s house, often referred to as a “nail house,” is a single-story
dwelling with a small 40 square meter (430 square feet) flat. Before the con- struction of the motorway, the property boasted picturesque views. However, it is now wedged between two lanes of the newly construct- ed freeway bridge.
In an interview with MailOnline, Liang expressed contentment with her decision to stay, despite the
adverse circum- stances. She described her environment as quiet, liberating, pleasant, and comfortable.
The decision to demolish Liang’s house and build the
Haizhuyong Brid ge was made by authorities in 2010, and the construction of the bridge was completed a decade later. However, as of 2023, the tiny nail house
remains stand- ing.
Government offi- cials claim that they made numerous offers of alternative housing and compensation plans to the stub- born resident, all of which were rejected. Reports suggest that Liang demanded the government provide her with four apartments, whereas they agreed to offer only two.
Engineers thor- oughly assessed the safety risks before allowing Liang to stay. Once it was determined that her residence could withstand the construction process, work on the bridge com- menced.
The government has pledged to maintain commu- nication with Liang after the motorway’s com- pletion to ensure her comfort and security in her Guangzhou home.
Among the 47 homes and seven business- es that previously occupied the area, Liang’s house is the sole survivor. According to authorities, all other former resi- dents of Huandao Road had voluntarily relocated and left their homes by September 2019, prior to the bridge’s construc- tion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkePxUA6UE8
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