The current property manager of Wang Fuk Court estimates that repair works at Wang Chi House – the only building at the estate in Tai Po not damaged by the inferno last November – will cost more than HK$30 million and take at least nine months to complete.

Hop On Management, which was appointed by the government to handle follow-up work for residents, added that it will hold a briefing for homeowners early next month to explain the details of the required repairs.

In a statement published on Wednesday, the company noted that about two-thirds of the building's exterior walls require further waterproofing to rectify issues from renovations carried out before the fire.

“With the rainy season approaching, there is a risk of water leakage and safety hazards in these areas. It is necessary to set up scaffolding or suspended working platforms to handle them,” the statement read.

The company also noted that additional time is required to construct emergency vehicle access routes to comply with fire safety regulations.

“These works may involve private land ownership, and additional time may be required for completion,” it added.

There is a need to inspect and repair vital infrastructure, the company said, such as the fire service system, drinking water tanks, and public pipelines.

Meanwhile, the government said that a total of 111 households from Wang Tai House and Wang Kin House returned to their homes on Wednesday and spent around two hours and six minutes on average inside the buildings.

There were five cases where police assistance was requested involving suspected lost property, such as watches, jewellery, cash and gold. Officers were able to find the missing belongings in one of the cases.

One resident also sought help from authorities after feeling unwell.


Edited by Aaron Tam