The government said on Tuesday it would look into the possibility of expanding the buyout plan to cover the only block at Wang Fuk Court that was not ravaged by the inferno last November, if half of the homeowners reach a consensus.

The administration has proposed spending HK$6.8 billion to acquire all seven blocks hit by the fire, and homeowners can either get a cash buyout or a flat-for-flat exchange.

Speaking on Metro Radio, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, who heads the task force on emergency accommodation arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents, said the government would reach out to residents of the eighth block – Wang Chi House – to find out their needs.

"If Wang Chi House homeowners reach a certain consensus, say about half of them wish to be included in the government's current plan, we are very willing to discuss the matter. But the threshold has to be higher for the implementation of the plan as, after all, we have to respect private property rights," he said.

"If many Wang Chi House homeowners eventually do decide to live in their flats, we have to respect them, so this block might remain for the long term."

Wong noted that Wang Chi House homeowners might need a longer time to come up with a decision, saying that there is no deadline as to when they have to make up their minds.

The minister also said a task force led by Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk is exploring the possibility of allowing homeowners of the seven fire-ravaged blocks to return to their flats, or take videos for them to inspect the interior.

He added that details will be announced once the arrangement is finalised.


Edited by Tony Sabine