Social workers from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) began contacting Wang Fuk Court flat owners today to gather their initial preferences for long-term rehousing arrangements.

The SWD aims to collect owner responses through its "one social worker per household" service by mid-to-late January. The data will inform the formulation and implementation of specific rehousing plans.

The Government said it has noticed diverse opinions among flat owners and within the community regarding long-term accommodation for Wang Fuk Court residents who were affected by the fire.

Some owners have indicated they prefer Government acquisition of the properties or priority access to purchase Home Ownership Scheme flats. While some residents seek local rehousing, others are open to different districts. Concerns about lengthy waiting times temper proposals for in-situ redevelopment.

“We hope to systematically and comprehensively collect Wang Fuk Court flat owners’ opinions, further listening to and summarising their preferences,” the Government said.

“This includes identifying key principles that the Government should consider when addressing long-term accommodation arrangements and noting the flat owners’ initial preferences for different long-term rehousing options. This information will serve as a reference for the Government's follow-up actions,” the Government added.

The Government said the Task Force on Emergency Accommodation Arrangements will carefully compile and study the flat owners’ preferences, as well as conduct a comprehensive assessments based on the structural safety, technical feasibility and community planning at Wang Fuk Court.

“We aim to provide affected flat owners with suggestions regarding long-term proposals as soon as possible for their consideration and decision-making,” the Government said.

“The Government and affected flat owners share the same objective: to implement solutions promptly and reassure them as soon as possible.”

As of today, more than 4,400 residents are staying in hotels, youth hostels/camps, transitional housing, Housing Society units or Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.