Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that residents affected by the Hongfu Court fire can go upstairs to retrieve their belongings in mid to late April.
According to reports from Hong Kong media, before attending the Executive Council meeting on the 17th, John Lee stated that he had instructed Cheuk Wing-hing, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration and head of the "Emergency Support and Fundraising Task Force," to arrange for sufficient manpower and establish clear guidelines with various departments. Details will be announced within this month, and residents are expected to be allowed upstairs in mid to late April.
He said that of the seven buildings damaged by the fire, many units were severely destroyed and full of debris, with missing windows and ceilings, so it must be ensured that accidents do not occur during the process of going upstairs.
John Lee noted that the buildings have no water or electricity, making the process of retrieving belongings far from the simple act of an ordinary citizen returning home. In addition, corridors and stairways are narrow, so if elderly residents wish to return, it is best for younger family members to handle the process. If necessary, the government can also arrange personnel to assist residents in collecting their belongings.
As for Hongzhige, which was not affected by the fire, John Lee stated that some residents hope for property acquisition, while others wish to return to live there. The government respects their choices. If a mainstream consensus is reached among owners, the government will consider proposals, and a dedicated team will continue communication with them.