The government will continue providing rental subsidies to Wang Fuk Court residents until they move into their new subsidized sale flats, according to Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun.
His remarks came as the government finalized long-term housing arrangements for residents displaced by the deadly fire at the seven affected buildings last November.
The latest resettlement plan offers homeowners a "flat-for-flat" exchange and an acquisition offer set at HK$8,000 per square foot for units with outstanding premium, and HK$10,500 for those with premium paid.
With the plan expected to involve HK$4 billion in public funds, Wong stressed on a TV program that this was a unique situation and should not be seen as a precedent.
Wong explained that homeowners opting for "flat-for-flat" exchanges would allow them to purchase a new subsidized flat from 10 designated projects under the Housing Authority or the Housing Society.
He added that residents will receive two years of rental subsidies during the transitional period, disbursed every six months until they move into the new units—even for those who choose a housing project with a later completion date.
Speaking on another radio program on Sunday, Wong described the acquisition offer—which exceeds initial industry estimates—as adopting a "humanity" approach.
He stressed that the plan is designed to ensure residents have viable options while allowing for renovations.
Using the Chung Nga Road West project in Tai Po as an example—priced at nearly HK$7,000 per square foot—he highlighted that residents could afford homes of similar size with funds left over for improvements.
Regarding Wang Chi House, which was unaffected by the fire, Wong asserted the government's commitment to respecting private property rights.
"If more than half of the owners reach a consensus and want government intervention, we can discuss other possibilities," he added. However, he noted that complexities like the building's deed of mutual covenant might ultimately require a legislative solution.
In response to critics who suggested the government is using public funds to address its own responsibilities, Wong highlighted the unprecedented scale of the fire's impact, which rendered market mechanisms ineffective.
He argued that if the government did not intervene, residents' long-standing investments would turn to nothing, emphasizing the need for a balanced societal approach to the situation.
Wong ruled out rebuilding on the original site, citing that the process would take at least nine to ten years–far too long for residents to wait.
He added that residents waiting a decade in another district might well put down roots there, making rebuilding on site an inappropriate solution.
Reaffirming the plan is humane and based on mutual consent, he confirmed the government is open to discussion if owners reject the offer.
However, he admitted the situation would become difficult, as it would be hard for holdouts to sell their units on the open market.
If some units remain unacquired, Wong noted the government may explore legal solutions.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin revealed on the same programme that the government will offer affected residents 10 housing projects totalling 3,900 flats, including units from the latest Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) project in Kai Tak.
Notably, those who accept the buyout by June 30 will be in the first batch for flat selection. Provisional sales agreements are expected to be signed in May or June, with cash payouts expected in the third quarter.
Ho also noted that while 500 flats from each of five new HOS projects are reserved for Wang Fuk Court residents, a total of 7,000 units will remain available for other applicants.
Wong added that about 59,000 subsidised sale flats will be available over the next five years, including some 7,000 in urban areas, urging the public to keep an open mind.
Ho also announced that a cross-departmental "engagement team" of about 100 members will begin door-to-door visits from March 2.
She added that the team will work through referrals from the existing "one social worker per household" service, tailoring explanations to each household's situation.
A dedicated hotline and additional consultation counters will be set up around the same time to provide convenient support for owners in need.
Wong warned residents to be vigilant against potential scams, stressing that team members will be in uniform, carry identification, and only visit after referral from the "one social worker per household" service.
