Around 380 households from the fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, have expressed a preliminary interest in a second opportunity to revisit their homes and collect belongings. This request comes ahead of the first round of scheduled visits, which are set to commence from April 20 and run until May 4. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing revealed this development on Sunday, emphasizing the ongoing efforts by authorities to facilitate the retrieval process for residents affected by the recent blaze. Social workers have been actively engaging with over 1,730 families across seven of the eight towers at Wang Fuk Court, informing them about the initial window for item retrieval. Officials anticipate a high turnout, with an estimated 98 per cent of these families expected to participate in the meticulously arranged first sessions.
Cheuk clarified that while 380 households have indicated a desire for a subsequent visit, the government’s approach will be to assess the true extent of this demand after the conclusion of the initial two-week period. He highlighted that the actual figure for second visits is likely to fluctuate significantly once residents have had the chance to inspect their properties firsthand. The Deputy Chief Secretary explained that the condition of individual flats would be a crucial factor in determining residents’ willingness for a repeat visit. Homes severely impacted by the fire might offer little left to salvage, potentially reducing the need for a second trip, whereas less-damaged units could prompt a greater desire for additional packing time.
The rationale behind this anticipated shift in demand is practical: residents whose flats suffered extensive fire damage may find minimal items worth retrieving, leading them to forgo a second visit. Conversely, those whose units were less directly affected are expected to have more personal effects to pack and secure, making a second visit a natural and understandable request. Cheuk assured the public that these varying needs would be accommodated. He stressed the government’s commitment to flexibility, affirming that should residents find a substantial amount of salvageable items during their first visit, a subsequent opportunity would not be an issue for the authorities to arrange.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Secretary extended an assurance to families who may not have formally lodged a request for a second visit prior to this announcement. He stated that even those who had not initially raised the issue could still communicate their needs to their assigned social workers. This proactive stance underscores the government’s dedication to supporting all affected residents in their efforts to retrieve their essential belongings. Cheuk reiterated that the administration would actively make all necessary arrangements to facilitate these crucial visits, ensuring a compassionate and organized recovery process for the Wang Fuk Court community amidst the aftermath of the devastating fire.
