Hong Kong fire survivors rebuild lives from ashes

Generous donors, inquiry

On Nov 27, the day after the fire, a dedicated assistance fund — the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po — was launched with HK $300 million in start-up capital from the HKSAR government.

Within a day, public donations from across the country added another HK $500 million. By the third day, the total had reached HK $1.2 billion.

The donations kept rolling in and by late February the fund had hit HK $4.7 billion.

About 98 percent of the public donations were in amounts of HK $10,000 or less, authorities disclosed earlier this year, adding they were likely from "ordinary people". Large contributions of over HK $1 million from institutions and companies numbered more than 700.

Some of the money has already been used for 13 support programs, including condolence and funeral payments for the families of the deceased, according to the fund's official website.

Funds have also been allocated for living allowances, rent and relocation subsidies for displaced residents, along with grants and subsidies for affected students, workers, and foreign domestic helpers. A Chinese New Year goodwill token was also offered.

Multiple private charities have also been distributing funds raised in the fire's aftermath. In March, the Hong Kong Red Cross reported over HK $530 million in donations.

The Red Cross said the donations would provide urgent relief funds as well as financial and psychological support for Wang Fuk Court fire victims. They will also help fund a five-year community program, providing training in disaster preparedness and first aid.

Meanwhile, an independent commission was formed in December, tasked with uncovering the root structural flaws leading to the blaze and its exceptionally rapid spread.

The committee held 24 public hearings from March to early May. Three more are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Evidence at the hearings has indicated a litany of suspected human factors in the blaze. The list includes: the estate's main fire alarm being deactivated during the fire; flammable scaffolding mesh and foam panels being used for renovation work; and the maintenance project's consultant and contractors likely rigging the tendering process. Oversight of the actual on-site maintenance work barely existed, the inquiry also heard.

The committee has nine months to determine the fire's cause and recommend systemic reforms. Local authorities have already floated a raft of legislative amendments and additional fire safety-related rules to overhaul building maintenance and fire-service regulation.

Seven individuals and two companies — the contractor and engineering consultant involved in the estate's renovation work — appeared in court on June 10 to face 25 offenses including conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and tax evasion.