HONG KONG — Government officials in Hong Kong have successfully relocated over 1,500 residents displaced by the devastating five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Taipo last week, transitioning them from temporary shelters into stable, specialized housing options. The rapid deployment of interim lodging, including hotels, youth hostels, and long-term transitional housing, signals a concerted effort to support the victims who lost their homes in the massive blaze.
The government’s coordinated response was detailed by Deputy Financial Secretary Eric Chan and Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, who both emphasized the commitment to assisting the affected families. Following the fire, peak occupancy across nine emergency shelters reached over 700 individuals. As of yesterday, that number has drastically dropped, with approximately 40 residents remaining in the two operational centers in Taipo, according to Mr. Chan.
Transitional Housing Offers Long-Term Stability
The bulk of the displaced residents—roughly 1,500 people—have now moved into government-arranged accommodations. This includes 500 people temporarily housed in hotels and youth hostels, while about 1,000 have secured spots in the city’s transitional housing program.
Mr. Chan stressed that this transitional housing provides a crucial, rent-free, long-term solution. “We are confident that we can allow them to stay, essentially, until issues like reconstruction are fully resolved,” he stated during a radio interview this morning. He assured residents that they would not be forced to leave the remaining shelters, promising continued support for those who feel more comfortable staying put for the moment.
Secretary Ho offered an emotional reflection on the solidarity observed during the crisis, noting she was moved to tears by the collective efforts of aid workers and the community. She underscored the comprehensive nature of the transitional units, which are operated by social welfare organizations and provide extensive support, including social worker assistance and psychological counseling.
Flexible Policies and Continuing Support
In a gesture of compassion, Secretary Ho announced a modification to housing regulations allowing residents to bring their pets into the transitional housing, acknowledging the animals’ importance for emotional support during stressful times.
The Housing Secretary also confirmed that the influx of fire victims would not compromise the existing supply of transitional housing. The affected population accounts for only 7% of current capacity, and the overall program includes 18,400 units, with thousands more slated for completion soon.
Meanwhile, the structural integrity of the residential block, Wang Fuk Court, is being assessed. Mr. Chan noted that the unaffected Wang Chi House within the court would be reopened once utilities and elevators are confirmed operational and safe. Reassessment is pending for the seven other buildings affected by the fire.
The government has also extended financial aid, logging over 1,800 applications for subsidies to date.
The immediate focus remains on securing long-term stability and holistic services for the victims. While officials believe it is too early to speculate on the eventual dismantling or reconstruction of the damaged buildings, Deputy Financial Secretary Chan made it clear that “all possibilities remain open,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to standing alongside the residents throughout the potentially lengthy recovery process.
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