Survivors of deadly Hong Kong estate fire push for rebuilding on original site

A group of survivors displaced by last month’s deadly fire at Hong Fuk Court in Hong Kong have petitioned the government to redevelop the site as a long-term resettlement solution, as authorities review rehousing options for thousands left homeless.

In an open letter seen by the South China Morning Post, more than 100 residents from all eight buildings of the Tai Po housing estate urged Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and senior officials to rebuild housing on the same site, saying returning to a familiar community was essential to restoring stability, dignity, and hope.

The residents said the fire had destroyed not only their homes but also a long-established community, with many families having lived there for decades. They described on-site resettlement as the only viable way to rebuild their lives after losing both their dwellings and social roots.

The November 26 blaze tore through seven of the estate’s eight blocks, displacing about 5,000 people. At least 161 people were killed and 79 were injured.

In response, a government spokeswoman said Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun would coordinate relevant departments to provide transitional housing while studying long-term proposals, taking into account residents’ wishes, available resources, structural safety, technical feasibility, and community planning.

However, Wong has cautioned that on-site resettlement could take a long time, noting that the seven damaged towers may not be repairable and that rebuilding the estate could take an “extremely long” period. He also said some residents might be reluctant to return due to psychological trauma.

The government is considering multiple resettlement options, including purchasing property rights from homeowners, prioritising displaced residents for subsidised flats under the Home Ownership Scheme, constructing new flats in Tai Po, or placing eligible residents in public housing.

Wong noted that building a new subsidised housing project typically takes about five years, though the process could be accelerated, while accepting flats in other districts could reduce waiting times.

By Tamilla Hasanova