1,500 fire victims now in temporary housing

已複製連結

Deputy Financial Secretary, Michael Wong Wai-lun, who is overseeing emergency accommodation for residents of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, said that more than 1,500 people have already moved into temporary housing units where they can stay long term. As for Wang Chi House within the estate, which was not affected by the fire, arrangements will be made as soon as possible for residents to return home.

At Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, eight residential blocks—seven of which were engulfed by the blaze—left many residents suddenly homeless.

Wong said that at present, over 1,500 disaster victims have been arranged to move into temporary housing units. More than 40 people remain in the shelter centres. Currently, only two shelters need to be open. Wang Chi House, which was not directly affected by the fire but suffered water damage, can have residents return home soon.

Wong said, “Now we hope that, if water and electricity are available, safety checks are fine, and the elevators are functioning, we can let residents return to their homes as soon as possible. The other seven blocks appear to be much more severely affected.”

“Regarding transitional housing, we have discussed with different volunteer groups and can provide it for quite a long time. In effect, if there is an ongoing need to live there, we are confident we can basically let them stay continuously, until reconstruction and various issues are resolved—we will keep supporting them throughout.”

The authorities have revised the rules for transitional housing to allow pets, and will add support services such as childcare as needed in future.

Wong reiterated that neither hotels nor the temporary housing units will charge any fees.

“We have also told the various operating units not to worry—we will provide them with appropriate subsidies.”

“As the weather will be colder, clothing for adults and children will be available for residents to choose from. In addition, cooking utensils, mattresses, bedding, and basic furniture are all provided.”

“If longer-term arrangements are needed, we can do that. Resources are never enough, but we are working hard to make them sufficient.”

As to whether Hong Fuk Court needs to be rebuilt, Wong said it is not appropriate to speculate at this stage; it depends on the condition of each block.

The Secretary for Housing, Winnie Ho Wing-yin, said that more than 30 personnel, including two deputy-directorate-level engineering teams, have entered the disaster site to assess the situation.