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Mike Rowse

One way or another, the aftermath of the tragic Tai Po fire is going to dominate Hong Kong’s political life throughout the coming year, possibly for the whole of the new Legislative Council term.
In the closing stages of the recently completed election, candidates pledged their support for recovery efforts. There is no reason to doubt them as every politician knows that the campaign for the next election effectively begins as soon as votes have been counted in the last one. The whole community will be watching how promises are honoured.
Circumstances are bound to keep the subject in the public eye. Even though the rescue phase is virtually complete, there are bound to be new actions from time to time, such as the DNA identification of a victim or clarification on an unaccounted-for resident. Media outlets are also bound to follow up on the interim arrangements made for survivors.
In the short term, these have been a modest success story: huge outpourings of public support in cash and kind, prompt government action, nobody left without food, clothing or a roof over their head. However, some problems are bound to arise as time passes and measures that might have been suitable as a stopgap solution become the settled way of life for those affected on a longer-term basis.
After that, public interest will tend to focus on two areas: permanent resettlement of those whose homes were affected and the various investigations into what went wrong.
Public sentiment on the first aspect is likely to lean heavily in favour of restoring the flat owners to the situation they would have been in had the fire not happened. The emotional response is perfectly understandable and laudable, but making that happen will not be straightforward.


We do not know at this stage whether the damaged blocks can be rendered safe, how much repair or remediation would cost or if demolition and redevelopment is the most practicable option. Moreover, the views of the owners themselves would have to be ascertained. Some people might have a sentimental attachment to the present site, while others might have an aversion to it.
It might be better to pause before we attempt to gauge each person’s view to allow the mood to settle. If possible, perhaps owners could be given the option either to return to a repaired or redeveloped site, or to acquire a similar Home Ownership Scheme property in another location.
Individual circumstances will vary, of course. Some owners will have paid off their mortgage entirely, others might be relatively recent purchasers with a large amount still owed to the bank. The insurance situation will also be different for the families. Navigating this area will require great skill by the civil servants concerned. Home ownership is the largest single investment many families make. Because not just an asset but a home is involved, emotions will play a big part.


To deal with the second aspect, the government established three task forces, one each for investigation and regulation, emergency support and fundraising, and emergency accommodation. These are led respectively by the chief secretary, deputy chief secretary and deputy financial secretary. The chief executive has also announced an independent committee to be chaired by a judge.
The three task forces will no doubt go about their work urgently, and we can expect to see a string of new regulations and stepped-up enforcement efforts. Some of the issues are likely to be controversial. For example, at what stage should recurrent support cease and people be expected to take responsibility for their own livelihoods again? Will any funds be left in the kitty after temporary emergency needs are met, and can any balance be deployed for long-term solutions?
These will provide a steady stream of news stories and ensure the subject remains at the top of people’s minds. However, most interest will doubtless be in the independent committee. The terms of reference, the mode of operation, whether all hearings will be open, the system for inviting witnesses and whether they will be under oath – all will be subject to careful scrutiny.


Another option would have been to establish a full-scale commission of inquiry under Chapter 86 of the laws of Hong Kong rather than a simple committee which carries a more administrative image.
The argument in favour of a committee is that it is less formal, it can be established and carry out its work more quickly, providing conclusions and concrete suggestions earlier. In terms of assessing accountability, a committee – even one headed by a judge – does not carry the same weight as a statutory commission, which has the power to summon witnesses and compel evidence under oath. Some outgoing Legco members are known to favour the commission option.
I welcome the decision of the chief executive to invite the judge to request that the committee be upgraded to a commission if he feels it is desirable, and I urge him to accept this invitation.
One group in this tragedy has been largely overlooked up to now: the general public. All the attention has naturally been on those who died, were injured or seriously affected in other ways. However, the fact is that the whole community was traumatised by the spectacle of so many high-rise blocks going up in flames.
Most of us live in similar towers and it could have happened to any of us. The whole community deserves transparency and accountability.


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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Transparency, accountability essential after Tai Po fire as Hong Kong heals

A man stands in front of the aftermath of the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, on December 11. Photo: Jelly Tse

Some Hong Kong fire survivors reluctant to relive horror for judge-led panel

Firefighters shoot water on the towers of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 27. Photo: Karma Lo

Chief Executive John Lee has ordered a judge-led panel to investigate the causes of the fire and its rapid spread. Photo: Karma Lo

Residents gather to view the damage from afar on November 30. Photo: Sun Yeung

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The Hong Kong community has swiftly rallied to support displaced families. Photo: Elson Li

Death toll from Hong Kong fire rises to 160 as DNA tests confirm 1 more fatality

The blaze tore through seven of the eight buildings at Wang Fuk Court. Photo: Eugene Lee

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A city full of people living in tower blocks similar to those at Wang Fuk Court needs clear answers from committees investigating the tragedy


A city full of people living in tower blocks similar to those at Wang Fuk Court needs clear answers from committees investigating the tragedy.


Hong Kong fires and safety

Accidents and personal safety in Hong Kong

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Transparency, accountability essential after Tai Po fire as Hong Kong heals

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}A city full of people living in tower blocks similar to those at Wang Fuk Court needs clear answers from committees investigating the tragedy

A city full of people living in tower blocks similar to those at Wang Fuk Court needs clear answers from committees investigating the tragedy