Over 77 percent of Wang Fuk Court flat owners in Tai Po, which was ravaged by a deadly fire that killed 168 people in November, have confirmed their intention to sell ownership of their properties to the government, authorities said on Friday.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said 78.4 percent of the property owners of the seven affected blocks, or 1,361 households, had returned letters of acceptance to the authorities as of Friday, confirming their intention of selling ownership in exchange for cash or joining the “flat-for-flat” arrangement – major options under the government’s long-term settlement plan.
For owners of the fire-spared Wang Chi House, the SAR government said as of Friday, the owners of 193 units, or 77.8 percent of residents, had returned letters of offers confirming their intention to sell to the government.
According to an earlier announcement, if over 75-percent of Wang Chi House owners agreed to sell their properties, the government would extend the long-term housing arrangement currently applicable to the seven fire-ravaged blocks to Wang Chi House.
To complete the acquisition of Wang Chi House, the government will seek additional funding approval of HK$1 billion ($127.5 million) from the Legislative Council. This will raise the total acquisition cost for all eight blocks to HK$5 billion.
The flat-for-flat program will add 496 units on top of the 3,900 units currently reserved to cater for demand from Wang Chi House residents, a government spokesperson said.
ALSO READ: HKSAR govt issues buyback offer letters to Wang Fuk Court owners
The spokesperson described the feedback from Wang Chi House owners as encouraging, adding that the long-term plan the government has offered is attractive to most residents and can assist them in resolving various uncertainties and complexities, including that of a high maintenance burden and psychological distress.
Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun said the progress made on Wang Chi House is a positive development.
He said the government has not considered rebuilding Wang Fuk Court on the original site as it would take too long and would be extremely difficult for both the government and society to bear.
The government reminded all Wang Fuk Court owners to submit their letters of acceptance as soon as possible, as the submission dates will determine their flat selection priority under the flat-for-flat program
The submission deadlines for the first and second batches are June 30 and Aug 31, respectively. Priority for applicants within the same batch will be determined by a ballot.
Roys Zhang contributed to this story.
