Editorial | Resettling Hong Kong fire victims calls for compassion and fiscal prudence

In the aftermath of Hong Kong’s deadliest high-rise blaze in Tai Po in November, the hardest task is to provide permanent homes for the thousands of people displaced. This has become even more challenging as the circumstances and preferences of individual households vary. While the authorities should strive to accommodate their different needs, a balance must be struck so the resettlement can be resolved in a compassionate, pragmatic and fiscally prudent way.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun later promised to take the wishes of residents into account and ensure proper use of resources and public funds. The task would be handled with “compassion, reason and in accordance with the law”, he said.

If a petition by residents calling for on-site redevelopment that drew 800-plus signatures is any evidence, the option is apparently not backed by the majority. Even if the survey eventually shows more households opting for rebuilding on the original site, the option looks infeasible and perhaps impractical. While some residents might be eager to see their home rebuilt on the same site, others could be wary of returning because of the trauma.

It is estimated that redevelopment will take up to a decade to commission. It also means the government might have to dig deep into the public coffers to finance the project, raising questions over the use of taxpayers’ money.