CE: many Wang Fuk Court homeowners will consider govt acquisition of their properties

已複製連結

Following the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Chief Executive John Lee revealed that a significant proportion of homeowners are considering government acquisition of their properties. 

However, several challenges remain to be overcome, and the authorities will finalize a long-term resettlement plan as soon as possible.

At the beginning of last month, the government, through a "one household, one social worker" program, collected preliminary opinions through a questionnaire from Wang Fuk Court homeowners regarding a long-term resettlement plan.

Chief Executive John Lee indicated that the questionnaires have been largely collected.

He said: “Preliminary observations indicate that the vast majority of homeowners hope the government will expedite long-term accommodation arrangements. A significant proportion of homeowners indicated they are considering accepting government acquisition of their properties, while some homeowners indicated they need to consider the actual acquisition price.”

John Lee said the authorities have a preliminary plan, and the emergency accommodation arrangement task force will finalize it as soon as possible, but several difficulties need to be overcome first.

Lee said: “First, how to handle the differences in needs among different families in a consistent manner.

Second, the uncertainty of liability compensation involved in public insurance for Hung Fook Court, and related legal issues.

Third, whether the ownership liability and legal disputes involved will lead to a long delay in resolution.”