John Lee says task force to work ‘non-stop’ over LNY on Wang Fuk Court rehousing plan

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Friday that a dedicated task force will work “non-stop” over the Lunar New Year holiday to finalize a rehousing proposal for residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire, with a plan expected to be announced in the near term.

Speaking after year-end community visits in Yau Tsim Mong, Lee revealed that he had earlier visited displaced Wang Fuk Court residents temporarily staying at the Kai Tak “Runway 1331” youth hostel.

He stressed that he had instructed the task force to continue working through the holiday period to devise a solution that meets residents’ expectations and addresses their long-term housing needs.

Lee said redevelopment of Wang Fuk Court faces three major challenges, including formulating a phased plan to address the needs of different households, resolving issues related to public insurance, ownership and potential legal disputes, and preventing prolonged litigation that could delay assistance to affected families.

He said the government aims to put forward a proposal capable of responding to residents’ concerns as soon as possible.

During his visit to the youth hostel, Lee noted that the facility, converted from former quarantine facilities, provides young people with social and recreational space, including a skate park and pickleball court. The venue regularly hosts cultural, arts and sports activities, and has previously welcomed youth delegations from overseas and the mainland for exchanges.

He also met two elderly households in their seventies who are temporarily residing at the hub. The residents told him they were satisfied with the twin-sharing units and shared facilities such as kitchens and living areas, and had taken part in community activities including a traditional “poon choi” banquet. Some residents also shared their views on long-term housing arrangements.

Lee later traveled via the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass from Kai Tak to Yau Ma Tei, describing the journey as smooth and about 10 to 15 minutes faster than before. He also welcomed the reopening of Yau Ma Tei Police Station as a popular photo spot.

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At Chun Fat Garden in Yau Ma Tei, Lee visited two elderly households. One couple in their seventies were formerly diving and soccer athletes, while another resident, aged over 90, is an opera enthusiast.

Lee said he was pleased to see that they were living healthily and enjoying the sense of warmth and mutual support within the community. He added that strong district facilities and services are key to enabling elderly residents to age in place.

While expressing satisfaction with the work of district councilors, care teams and Home Affairs Department staff, Lee emphasized that “there is no best, only better,” encouraging residents to voice new needs. He reiterated that district work remains a policy priority and that caring for the elderly is the government’s duty.

During the visit, Lee waved to onlookers and wished residents success, good health and academic progress for children in the Year of the Horse, while encouraging tourists to explore and shop more in Hong Kong.

Residents welcomed the visit. A woman surnamed Wong said the chief executive asked about her baby’s age and speech development and reminded the child to “dress warmer.” She said she had benefited from recent government newborn incentive measures and was pleased to see Lee visiting the community ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Another resident, surnamed Lee, who has lived in the estate for more than 30 years, described the chief executive as approachable and thanked him for showing concern. A woman surnamed Ko said Lee asked whether she would make traditional festive snacks, described the Chief Executive as friendly, and expressed hope for a stronger economy in the coming year.