A majority of lawmakers have expressed support for the government's long-term rehousing plan for those affected by the fire in Tai Po last November.

However, some raised concerns over the exclusion of Wang Chi House - the only block in the estate unaffected by the fire - from the acquisition proposal.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, who leads the task force on emergency accommodation for affected residents, previously announced that the government intends to purchase all flats directly impacted by the Wang Fuk Court fire.

The buyout plan, which covers flats across seven blocks destroyed in the blaze, is expected to cost approximately HK$6.8 billion.

During a special meeting of the Legco housing panel, lawmaker Dominic Lee raised the possibility of also consulting residents of Wang Chi House.

“If they return to live there, they may face future problems with property value, resale difficulties and challenges related to community support,” he said, while suggesting that the government could conduct a new survey under the “one social worker per household” arrangement.

In response, Wong said the government does not wish to place additional strain on the current support system. He noted that a dedicated engagement team would instead reach out directly to every Wang Chi House owner to better understand their needs.

Lawmaker Bill Tang said he spoke to over 20 families from Wang Chi House over the weekend, and many felt uncertain and anxious.

“First of all, they hadn't expected to return there [Wang Chi House] for the long term. They thought they would be relocated along with residents of the other blocks,” Tang said.

“Secondly, they immediately raised many concerns. For example, major repairs are still not completed… they’re asking if they’ll need to pay more for repairs and whether scaffolding will be erected around them again.”

Meanwhile, lawmaker Chan Pui-leung floated the idea of turning the Wang Fuk Court site into a tourist spot, such as a temple or museum.

Wong said in response that since handling property rights and demolishing buildings could take up to five years, there’s still ample time for discussion on what to do with the site.



Edited by Priscilla Ng