A total of 3,859 residents from 1,062 households have retrieved their belongings from Wang Fuk Court, the Tai Po housing estate destroyed in a fire in November, during the first 10 days of their return, authorities said.
The residents were among about 1,700 households from the seven fire-hit towers, given a 15-day window — ending Monday — to collect items from their former homes. A second round of visits will begin next month, officials announced.
Cheuk Wing-hing, deputy chief secretary for administration, said that the first-phase arrangements have proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner.
SPECIAL PAGE: Tai Po fire inquiry hearings
Authorities reported receiving 80 requests for police assistance, 16 cases of physical discomfort, and seven cases of residents requiring psychological counseling. Cheuk said many residents have expressed a desire to make another visit to their homes, and the government will organize another round of visits.
Cheuk inspected the Kwong Fuk Community Hall, which serves as a registration support center for returning residents. Officials at the center verify identity documents, prepare identification badges, distribute hygiene and support items, and direct residents to social workers for on-site assistance.
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Care-team members there help distribute safety and lighting equipment, including disinfected safety helmets, protective gloves, face masks, and flashlights. They also provide trolleys to help transport belongings to waiting areas or pick-up points.
Cheuk praised the dedication and compassion shown by more than 1,000 officials from various departments deployed daily. “Regardless of roles or divisions, everyone has worked wholeheartedly and hands-on, offering help whenever and wherever it was needed. In particular, their efforts in assisting elderly residents upstairs and moving belongings downstairs have been well-received,” he said.
Residents of Wang Tai House, one of the worst affected blocks with the highest number of casualties, began returning on Wednesday, the fifth tower to open for visits.
Cheuk acknowledged the trauma faced by the residents, saying that, in addition to regular social workers, the government assigns police officers, clinical psychologists, and Social Welfare Department officials to accompany residents as they enter the building.
He also responded to reports that one resident had found items that were not his in his flat on Tuesday. Cheuk said rescue personnel searching for pets had temporarily placed those items from neighboring units. He admitted the situation was “not ideal”, adding that officials have contacted the resident and apologized. The officials will soon arrange for the affected families to meet to resolve the issue, and find a way to compensate them for their lost time.
Regarding disputes in which tenants have failed to obtain landlords’ consent to return, Cheuk called on both sides to reach an agreement, and pledged that tenants will be given opportunities to retrieve their belongings.
Also on Wednesday, Hop On Management Co under the Chinachem Group, which was appointed as Wang Fuk Court’s administrator, said repair work for Wang Chi House — the only block spared by the November blaze — will cost an estimated HK$30 million ($3.83 million) minimum, which will take no less than nine months to complete. The company will hold a briefing session early next month to explain details of the project.
The special administrative region government recently proposed buying out Wang Chi House, under the same arrangement as the other seven towers. If approved, the total cost of acquiring nearly 2,000 units across all eight buildings will increase to HK$7.8 billion.
Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com
