After the No. 5 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Hong Kong SAR government immediately committed to providing all necessary support for the affected residents, including arranging proper shelters. As of yesterday morning, approximately 945 residents had moved into youth hostels/camps or hotel rooms coordinated by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau. Additionally, 1,470 residents were accommodated in transitional housing or Housing Society units.
Chief Executive John Lee visited the "CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River" transitional housing project in Yuen Long yesterday (Dec. 1) to visit and comfort residents affected by the fire. He emphasized that, besides immediate emergency assistance, the government is also attentive to their various living needs. Residents who have been accommodated reported to Hong Kong Wen Wei Po that the support from the government and the community has been meticulous. Their units are well-furnished, and telecommunications companies have specially installed 5G Wi-Fi for them, allowing them to regroup and face future challenges.
The "CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River" project houses about 60 families and over a hundred affected residents. During the visit, John Lee inquired about their living conditions. Some residents mentioned that the HK$10,000 emergency funds swiftly disbursed after the fire, along with essential supplies like beds and appliances coordinated by social welfare organizations, addressed their urgent needs and provided tangible support during their difficulties.
John Lee also inspected the temporary supply center set up in an activity room, which stores donated daily necessities. He praised the staff from the operating social welfare organizations, social workers, and neighboring residents of "CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River" who actively assist new residents. He expressed deep gratitude for their selfless contributions, reflecting the spirit of unity and mutual aid in Hong Kong society.
Auntie Cheung, a resident of Wang Cheong House in Wang Fuk Court, who was relocated to the Housing Society's "Che Cheng House," recounted in an interview with Hong Kong Wen Wei Po that she narrowly escaped the fire because she was out to pick up her granddaughter from school. However, the devastating blaze destroyed her home of over 40 years. During their uncertainty, they were arranged to stay in a 300-square-foot unit at Che Cheng House. Although smaller than their original home, it comes equipped with furniture such as a fridge and water heater. Auntie Cheung said, "The community has treated us very well." She added that a dedicated social worker is following up on their long-term housing situation, and family and community support have been significant, but she hopes the government will expedite plans for long-term reconstruction or renovations.
The Housing Society reported that all 90 units in "Che Cheng House" designated for disaster victims are fully occupied, but Wang Fuk Court residents in need of assistance can continue to call the Housing Society's 24-hour support hotline at 28391393 to apply for accommodation in other temporary housing projects or rental housing units.
Residents who have been accommodated in "Che Cheng House" noted that their units offer a view of Tolo Harbour, with two rooms already equipped with new beds, complete with mattresses, sheets, and pillows. Additionally, although there was initially no fiber-optic internet, telecommunications company staff came to install it, and the 5G Wi-Fi has been completed. They stated that the distributed supplies were impressively comprehensive, praising the thoughtful support from the SAR government and the Housing Society. They believe that dwelling on the past will only prolong their pain, and it is essential to remain positive and believe that tomorrow will be better.
Related News:
Comment