Hong Kong fire survivors rebuild lives from ashes
Apartment buyback scheme, psychological support, independent inquiry help in healing process
Resettlement top concern
Some of the surviving Wang Fuk Court residents believe the path ahead is clear in outline, if not in details.
The HKSAR government has offered Wang Fuk Court apartment owners acquisition prices of HK $8,000 ($1,020) or HK $10,500 per square foot, either as cash or a "flat-for-flat" exchange voucher.
Wang Chi House, the sole tower spared from the blaze, will be included only if at least 75 percent of owners agree to the buyout plan by June 30.
The total cost of acquiring all eight blocks is estimated at HK $7.8 billion, involving HK $5 billion in public funds and HK $2.8 billion from a support fund established by the government.
A number of residents China Daily spoke to described resettlement as "labyrinthine" and "disorienting". Their questions mainly related to the size of the new residences to be offered and their locations.
Joe Wong, whose family of five lived in Wang Tai House in the estate, said he is now a "dislocated man". Part of his daily routine used to be walking his daughter to her primary school in Tai Po.
Now, he lies awake at night wondering whether the flats on offer will match what they once had, with a comparable living space, and transport and medical care within reach. Wong, who said his concerns are shared by many other former residents, also hopes for a sense of community and an established school network at his new home.
Under the official special sale program, 10 developments are in the pipeline. The earliest project could welcome residents by the end of 2026. The last developments will not be ready until 2030 or 2031.
Among the projects is a two-phase new development in Tai Po featuring 1,500 units. The earliest move-in date is expected to be in 2029 under the most optimistic forecast.
The government has ruled out rebuilding on the Wang Fuk Court site citing technical constraints and a drawn-out timeline. But some residents remain hopeful that the authorities might reconsider rebuilding the estate on the old site or nearby.
