Hong Kong’s government has committed to a comprehensive investigation into November’s catastrophic Tai Po fire that resulted in 161 fatalities and displaced approximately 2,000 households. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu addressed the eighth-term Legislative Council, vowing to hold all responsible parties accountable regardless of their position or affiliation.
The tragic incident at Wang Fuk Court housing complex has prompted the administration to propose significant legislative reforms targeting fire safety protocols. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki revealed plans to integrate fire safety measures into property managers’ statutory duties, effectively establishing property management companies as legal gatekeepers for building safety.
The proposed reforms include mandatory safety distances for large-scale maintenance projects, requiring Fire Services Department approval before disabling critical safety equipment, and accelerating amendments to construction safety regulations. The revised rules would impose clear legal responsibilities on contractors and subcontractors while implementing strict smoking prohibitions at all construction sites.
Lee emphasized the government’s commitment to long-term housing solutions for affected families, with working groups analyzing resident surveys to formulate appropriate accommodation plans. The nearly nine-hour legislative session featured 90 lawmakers providing input on recovery efforts, with suggestions ranging from government acquisition of property rights at pre-fire values to enhanced psychological support for displaced residents.
The administration pledged to implement systemic reforms across all necessary areas while maintaining focus on economic and social development through improved executive-legislative collaboration.