Hong Kong’s administration has unveiled a comprehensive 15-day operation to enable residents displaced by last year’s catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire to retrieve their personal possessions. From April 20 to May 4, over 1,700 affected households will be permitted staged access to their fire-damaged residences in the Tai Po district complex.
The massive logistical undertaking will involve approximately 1,000 government personnel daily, totaling 15,000 staff members throughout the operation period. These officials will provide on-site assistance, crowd management, emotional support, and emergency response capabilities during the retrieval windows.
Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing detailed the arrangements at a Friday press briefing, noting that access times are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM daily. Each household may send up to four representatives simultaneously, with visits limited to a maximum of three hours. However, units with significant structural damage will restrict entry to just one person per household.
The November 26 blaze, which claimed 168 lives and completely destroyed seven of the eight high-rise buildings in the residential complex, represents one of Hong Kong’s most devastating residential fires in recent history. The upcoming retrieval operation follows a brief 90-minute access period granted in early December exclusively for residents of Wang Chi House, the sole tower spared from complete destruction.
Practical challenges remain significant, as Mr. Cheuk confirmed that building elevators remain inoperable, requiring residents to navigate staircases. Those who resided in upper-floor units may face climbs of 20 to 30 stories, prompting authorities to advise elderly individuals, people with health or mobility limitations, and children to avoid participation.
Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung announced complimentary shuttle bus services running at 15-minute intervals from 8:15 AM between Wang Fuk Court and Tai Po Market MTR station to facilitate transportation.
Regarding long-term resettlement prospects, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Meikuen provided updates on restoration efforts for Wang Chi House, indicating that rehabilitation work has proven more complex than initially projected. Critical repairs including external wall restoration and construction of a new emergency exit are estimated to require at least nine and three months respectively, with total costs anticipated to exceed HK$10 million (approximately US$1.28 million).
The government has engaged professional consultants to ensure safe reoccupation conditions and will conduct information sessions starting mid-April to address resident concerns regarding the rehabilitation timeline and process.