The procession of people returning to devastated Wang Fuk Court continued apace without a hitch on Tuesday, with those who used to live in Wang Sun House returning home hoping to salvage what November's inferno hadn't scorched.

A man, Cheung, said he hoped to be able to take back all valuable items and those of sentimental value.

“Memories ... I only moved back here in recent years. I lived here from a young age and moved back recently,” he said, when asked what he was most reluctant to part with.

“I have so many memories here. I don't know how to describe it. It's as if I've lost them; it's as if they've been burnt. I don't know how to put it into words.”

He also brought along his grandmother who had lived with him in Wang Sun House even though she was unable to make the trip up and down the stairs to their former home.

Cheung said he would make a video call with his grandmother once he was inside the flat but that the family wish was that arrangements could be made for them to return home again.

Another former Wang Sun House resident, Keung, said he believed his flat remained in good condition.

As for the three-hour time frame given for people to return to their Wang Fuk Court homes to salvage what they can, he said it would be sufficient for his family as they had reached a consensus on what to take away and what to leave behind.

“We have brought around four bags with us, hoping to take my wife's dowry, dragon and phoenix bangles, jewellery, large-sized wedding photos and rings,” Keung said.

“I also want to take back some toys that I have collected over the years that are now no longer available for sale."

Keung's hope is for the government to arrange accommodation for his family soon.

He was heavy-hearted as his family, who used to live in their own home in Wang Sun House, now had to put up with rental accommodation.

Other former Wang Sun House residents will continue to make the return trips on Wednesday, and they will be followed by people from the other six blocks till May 4.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden