HONG KONG — The Hong Kong government has successfully transitioned over 1,500 residents displaced by the devastating five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last week into temporary and long-term accommodation, signaling a major coordinated relief effort, officials confirmed Friday. In the wake of the catastrophic blaze that destroyed numerous homes, authorities have prioritized stable housing and comprehensive social support, offering transitionary housing options that provide indefinite, rent-free residency until permanent solutions are found.
Financial Secretary Deputy Paul Chan (Hui) and Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho acknowledged the scale of the disaster but stressed the commitment to the long-term welfare of the victims. During a radio address, Deputy Chan stated that while nine temporary shelters were initially opened, housing over 700 people at its peak, the focus has shifted to structured resettlement.
Securing Long-Term Stability
As of Thursday, approximately 1,500 affected residents have been moved into government-arranged placements, with roughly 500 individuals in short-term hotel stays and youth hostels, and about 1,000 securing spots in Transitional Housing (TH) units. This rapid relocation has allowed emergency shelter operations to largely wind down, with only about 40 individuals remaining in two remaining Tai Po shelter centers.
Deputy Chan emphasized that the government is not pressuring these remaining residents to leave, understanding some may need more time to adjust. Crucially, he underscored the stability offered by the Transitional Housing scheme.
“We have confidence that they can reside in these units effectively indefinitely—until issues like rebuilding are resolved,” Deputy Chan said. “The government will continue supporting them, and the rent-free arrangement will persist.”
These government-subsidized TH units, managed by non-governmental social service organizations, provide a full spectrum of services, including dedicated social worker support and psychological counseling, aiming to restore stability to residents’ lives.
Compassion and Social Support Crucial
Secretary Ho expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, citing the overwhelming community solidarity as a source of emotional strength. She noted visiting transitional housing projects “Lok Sin Village” and “Po Sin House” in Tai Po, where relief efforts were highly organized.
One key policy adjustment highlighted by the Secretary was the compassionate allowance for pets. Recognizing the profound emotional comfort animals provide, particularly to those who have lost so much, the standard rules were modified to permit residents to bring their companion animals into the Transitional Housing units.
Ho reported that the condition of the settled residents has shown marked improvement, noting: “At least their hearts can be at ease.”
Addressing concerns that the influx of disaster victims might strain the existing Transitional Housing supply, Secretary Ho assured the public that the affected residents account for only 7% of the current TH occupancy. Contingency units had already been allocated for emergencies, and with 18,400 TH units currently available and thousands more under construction, capacity remains sufficient.
Structural Integrity and Future Plans
While immediate relief focuses on housing the displaced, attention is also turning to the structural integrity of the damaged estate. Initial assessments indicated that two blocks, Wang Yan Court and Wang Dao Court, do not face immediate structural collapse, though some units require temporary reinforcement. Furthermore, residents of Wang Chi Court, which was untouched by the fire, are expected to return home soon, pending checks on electricity and water systems.
For the seven main blocks impacted by the fire, long-term plans remain under review. Deputy Chan cautioned against premature speculation regarding demolition or long-term reconstruction.
“It is too early to assess the long-term arrangement, and it is inadvisable to speculate,” he stated, reaffirming that the government is exploring all possibilities and will continue to walk alongside residents in the recovery process. Assistance grants have already seen widespread uptake, with over 1,800 households registering for financial aid.
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