Hong Kong’s DAB proposes 5 relief measures for residents displaced by fire
City’s largest political party submits proposals to deputy financial secretary, says measures ‘should align with each resident’s needs‘
Hong Kong’s largest political party has proposed five relief options for those displaced by the Tai Po fire, such as a government buy-back of ruined homes and community redevelopment, after gathering views from more than 1,000 Wang Fuk Court residents.
The party’s 20 elected lawmakers and two of its district councillors on Wednesday met the city’s deputy financial secretary to submit the proposals, which the party chief said authorities would consider.
“For all the proposed reparation and relocation plans, they should align with each resident’s needs instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all option,” said Gary Chan Hak-kan, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB).
“I believe the government is also willing to propose different plans for different groups of affected residents.”
The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court on November 26, spreading to seven of the eight blocks, claiming 160 lives and leaving nearly 5,000 residents homeless.
Displaced residents are already being offered free stays in transitional housing units until they can find another permanent home, pending a long-term settlement plan.