Chinachem aids Wang Fuk Court amid rumors

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said appointing a Chinachem subsidiary to assist Wang Fuk Court homeowners does not replace or override the powers of the owners’ corporation, and that society “should not be swayed by rumors.”

This came as the government appointed Hop On Management Company, a subsidiary of the Chinachem Group, as the property manager last Friday to assist homeowners in handling post-disaster matters.

Mak said yesterday that the authorities had already notified the current owners’ corporation committee and a public notice will be published in newspapers today.

She added that the Lands Tribunal is expected to deliver a preliminary assessment early next month.

If the application is approved, Hop On will take over operations, including requesting contracts, bank account balances, and insurance policies from the current committee.

The company will also consult professionals to advise homeowners on how to deal with contracts and insurance matters.

Mak also said there were many rumors and speculation about the government’s appointment to take over, including claims that the arrangement would “let some responsible parties off the hook," stressing that the arrangement would not affect the investigation.

She added that the Wang Fuk Court owners’ corporation management committee also has to deal with complex legal issues, and the management company helping the corporation with contract matters will see its contract expire at the end of the year and it is unclear whether it will be renewed.

The government hoped the corporation can continue to operate, and has therefore appointed professional bodies to assist owners in making decisions.

Separately, Wang Fuk Court residents will need to leave behind 10 essential appliances and furnishings such as refrigerators and washing machines for the next tenants when moving out of the transitional housing operated by the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, while smaller items such as clothing, pillows, hair dryers, and portable heaters may be taken with them.