‘All options’ on table amid feedback from flat owners hit by Tai Po fire: John Lee
Hong Kong leader says government is analysing feedback from 90 per cent of homeowners affected by the blaze that killed 168 and displaced nearly 5,000
The Hong Kong government is reviewing feedback from 90 per cent of property owners hit by the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court on their long-term rehousing preferences, with the city leader stressing that “every option” is on the table amid calls to rebuild the burnt-out estate on site.
Two months after the blaze that claimed 168 lives, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday underlined the urgency of announcing the resettlement plan for thousands of displaced residents, but stopped short of providing a timeline.
He spoke to the press shortly after Erick Tsang Kwok-wai stepped down as secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, citing health concerns due to elevated prostate cancer marker levels.
Lee reassured the public that investigations by law enforcement agencies and the independent committee looking into the fire were under way at “full speed”, reiterating the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth and identifying those responsible as soon as possible.
The fire on November 26 engulfed seven of the eight high-rise residential buildings in the Tai Po estate, displacing nearly 5,000 people, many of whom are currently staying in temporary accommodation arranged by the government.
To gauge residents’ preferences for long-term rehousing arrangements, the government previously distributed questionnaires to flat owners. Options included a buyout plan, a flat-for-flat exchange, and an in situ redevelopment plan, which could take up to 10 years to complete.
Lee said ahead of his weekly meeting with top advisers on Tuesday that the government was analysing feedback from 90 per cent of the flat owners, while housing authorities were reviewing existing projects to provide more options.