The DAB on Wednesday urged the government to allow owners of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court to surrender their flats in exchange for new, similar-sized subsidised units under the Home Ownership Scheme.

The proposal was among a series of suggestions the party made to the government regarding the rehousing and compensation arrangements for people affected by the deadly blaze in Tai Po.

The party identified four potential plots in Tai Po where the new estate can be rebuilt.

These include the original Wang Fuk Court site, Kwong Fuk Park and the nearby football pitch, the construction site at Chung Nga Road West, and a developable plot at the Hong Kong Institute of Construction near Fu Shin Estate.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with senior government officials, DAB vice-chairman Holden Chow noted that these sites were carefully picked.

“Those are areas within the Tai Po neighbourhood. First of all, it’s convenient for residents, and these are areas they’re familiar with. If they decide to stay in Tai Po, we’ve identified four options,” he said.

For other owners who prefer not to wait for the new estate to be built, the DAB said they should be given the option of selling their flats back to the Housing Authority at market value.

Those who are still repaying their mortgage, meanwhile, could be allocated a public rental housing unit if they meet the income and asset requirements after selling their flats, the party added.

As for tenants of Wang Fuk Court, the party suggested providing them with a one-off cash subsidy.

DAB chairman Gary Chan said owners and tenants should be given maximum flexibility in choosing their rehousing or compensation options, adding that Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong has agreed to consider these proposals carefully.