In relation to last month's fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Transport Department (TD) said today it has been steering public transport operators to enhance franchised bus and green minibus services, as well as residents’ services, to support households living in transitional housing in various districts.

The TD highlighted that an additional service route for residents, NR977, will be introduced, connecting Tai Po Market Station with CONCORDIA Tsat Sing Kong and CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River in Yuen Long.

Financial aid

As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.7 billion. Factoring in the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, the fund now amounts to around $4 billion.

Accommodation support

As of this morning, under the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, 572 residents are staying in hotel rooms, while 563 residents are staying in youth hostels/camps. Another 3,513 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society, or at Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.

Currently, more than 1,000 units are still available to affected residents as longer-term accommodation. The transitional housing and Housing Society projects in various districts can altogether provide around 500 units at present. Moreover, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can offer around 900 units.

Relief supplies

On the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, about 2,000 registrations have been received. Over 29,000 donated items have been distributed.