Some Tai Po fire survivors doubtful over government’s ‘unfair’ rehousing plan
Some residents of Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court dissatisfied with HK$6.8 billion flat buy-back proposal, continue asking for in-situ redevelopment
The residents urged the government to provide more clarity on how the new homes would be allocated, a day after they were offered an acquisition price of HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot, along with thousands of subsidised homes for sale or exchange, under the HK$6.8 billion proposal.
Some continued to call for in-situ redevelopment at Wang Fuk Court, which the government has ruled out. An official survey earlier found that one-fifth of residents preferred that option but were open to other ones, with 9 per cent saying they would only accept a return to the site.
The inferno engulfed seven of the estate’s eight residential towers last November, killing 168 people and displacing about 5,000 residents.
A resident surnamed Fong, 40, said he was concerned about the “blind commitment” that homeowners were being asked to make.
Under the current timeline, homeowners must indicate their choice by August 31, with those signing provisional agreements by June 30 given priority for September’s flat selection.