Tai Po fire survivors doubtful over government’s rehousing plan

Nearly three months after Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fire, the government announced a plan to spend about HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) to buy back homes destroyed in the blaze. The plan offers HK$8,000 (US$1,020) or HK$10,500 (US$1,340) per square foot as part of a long-term resettlement plan that will cost HK$4 billion (US$512 million) in public funds. Some residents have been pushing for the government to rebuild the towers, which have been too damaged to repair, so they can eventually move back in. But the government’s current offer is for them to take a cash buyout or accept a flat elsewhere.