More than 200 residents displaced by the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po have signed a petition reiterating their demand for on-site rebuilding, a week after the first petition with over 100 names.
The updated petition was submitted to Chief Executive John Lee, Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong on Tuesday.
Residents noted that during a recent Tai Po District Council meeting, some members suggested finding alternative "ready-to-use" land in the district for rebuilding. The petition states this runs counter to the consensus for on-site rebuilding and is not supported by most residents, urging the government to respect their wishes.
The letter also thanked President Xi Jinping, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office director Xia Baolong and Lee for their concern and attention.
Last month, Michael Wong said after listening to residents, the government would announce a final resettlement plan within weeks. He outlined five preliminary options, including building over 1,000 new Home Ownership Scheme flats in Tai Po, allowing residents to buy cross-district HOS flats launching next year, moving into light public housing, or having the government buy their property rights so they can cash out and choose private flats, rentals or existing HOS units.
