The Secretary for Housing, Winnie Ho, stated today (Feb. 8) on a radio program that the current rental subsidy for residents of Wang Fuk Court lasts for two years and will continue until the end of 2027. If the court is to be reconstructed on the original site, it won't be completed until 2035. Continuing to provide rental subsidies during this time could lead to a heavier financial burden. She also mentioned that efforts will be made to offer compensation options to residents, but conflicting options cannot be provided simultaneously. "For instance, if you want some compensation and also want your own property, then those options cannot be overly abundant."
Ho continued to mention that the duration of the current rental subsidies for residents is worth considering. She mentioned that the authorities had previously gathered residents' intentions regarding compensation plans through the "One household, One social worker" initiative and listed the time required for each option. Among these, acquisition takes the shortest time; considering Home Ownership Scheme flats or Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme flats can be completed by the end of the year; public housing land at Tsuen Wan Road West can be completed by 2029; building on the site of Kwong Fuk Park will take until 2033; and reconstruction on the original site won't be finished until 2035. "The subsidy is temporarily for two years. If relocation to Tsuen Wan Road is arranged, it will reach 2029, meaning additional subsidies for many years. But if it goes to 2035, that's another eight years. Do we need to provide rental subsidies for those eight years? What would that financial burden amount to?"
Regarding the independent review team's inspection of issues related to temporary shelters, Ho explained that once Home Ownership Scheme flats units are sold, the ownership transfers to the owners, and it should be managed by the Buildings Department like private properties. To lighten the workload of the Buildings Department, an independent review team was established. For the five-alarm fire incident at Wang Fuk Court, this review team will submit all relevant information to an independent committee for investigation.
As for why Wang Fuk Court has not yet reopened for residents to return, Ho stated that a timetable cannot be provided at this time. The arrangements are not simple; even the dismantling of shelters raises concerns about large pieces falling onto the road, which requires expert handling. The authorities will continue to study how elderly residents can go upstairs in the absence of elevators.
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