Last call for Wang Fuk owners in flat-selection race

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong has urged owners of units in all eight buildings of Wang Fuk Court to submit their letters of acceptance by Tuesday if they want flat-selection priority in the first batch of the special sales exercise.

Writing on his social media post, Wong – who leads the task force overseeing emergency housing arrangements for the Tai Po estate that was made virtually uninhabitable by a devastating fire in November – said the push for a long-term solution has now reached a crucial stage.

He emphasised that owners aiming to secure first-round priority for flat selections should ensure they return their signed letters of acceptance on or before June 30, confirming their willingness to sell their property titles to the government.

"We understand that different residents may have varying views and preferences when it comes to their long-term housing arrangements," Wong wrote.

"The government’s current proposal is grounded in compassion, reason and the law – with compassion taking the lead – and offers multiple pathways so that residents truly have a choice.

"Our hope is to offer practical support in resolving these issues, helping residents resettle in permanent homes and begin new chapters of their lives."

According to the Housing Bureau, the acquisition process is progressing well, with the government having received 1,635 signed letters on Monday morning from owners across Blocks A through H – representing roughly 82.4 percent of all flats in those eight buildings.

Of these, 1,429 came from Blocks A to G, accounting for about 82.3 percent of units in the seven buildings directly hit by the inferno.

Another 206 letters were submitted by owners of Wang Chi House – the only building not affected by November's fire – representing about 83 percent of units in the block.

Priority in the special sales exercise will be assigned in batches, based on the date the government receives each signed acceptance letter.

The deadline for the second batch is set for August 31.

Edited by Priscilla Ng ...