Political figures have urged the government to clarify that the independent committee investigating the Wang Fuk Court fire is tasked with examining the causes of the blaze and systemic issues, not rehousing arrangements, and to release a long-term plan for residents as soon as possible.
This came as the committee, established in December, held a direction conference last week, drawing many residents who expressed frustration and said their main concern was simply regaining a home.
The committee’s mandate covers four areas: reviewing the fire’s causes and building safety systems, examining construction practices and oversight, investigating potential conflicts of interest or bid-rigging in major maintenance projects, and assessing whether current laws and penalties are sufficient.
Rehousing, however, is being handled separately by the government’s task force on emergency accommodation arrangements, which has already collected responses from more than 95 percent of homeowners and is expected to announce concrete plans soon.
Lawmaker Gary Chan Hak-kan said residents’ concerns about housing are understandable, while Executive Council member Ronny Tong Ka-wah noted that public emotions are natural and predicted most residents will favor relocation within Tai Po, with multiple options likely to be offered.
