Govt seeks Wang Fuk Court residents' views on long-term rehousing after fire

The government announced on Friday that it has launched a systematic effort to gather preferences from Wang Fuk Court flat owners affected by a recent fire, aiming to shape tailored long-term rehousing solutions with empathy as the guiding principle.

Social workers from the Social Welfare Department are proactively contacting each household under a dedicated one-social-worker-per-household service to understand individual needs and initial preferences for permanent accommodation. 

This process, starting today, is expected to conclude by mid-to-late January for analysis.

The Task Force on Emergency Accommodation Arrangements is coordinating efforts across departments to develop feasible options, considering factors such as structural safety, technical viability, and broader community planning. 

Officials acknowledge diverse opinions among residents, including calls for government property acquisition, priority access to Home Ownership Scheme flats, local rehousing, relocation to other districts, or in-situ redevelopment, alongside concerns about potential delays.

The government emphasizes efficient resource use while prioritizing residents' circumstances to help them rebuild their lives quickly. 

Meanwhile, over 4,400 affected residents continue to stay in temporary arrangements like hotels, youth hostels, transitional housing, or units in Tuen Mun. 

Owners have also received rental subsidies of up to $300,000 over two years from a dedicated support fund established last month. 

Officials say the shared goal is to deliver prompt solutions that provide reassurance to the affected families.