More than 400 homeowners from the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po have asked Hong Kong leader John Lee to facilitate a meeting between the residents and the government-appointed administrator, Hop On Management.
As of Monday afternoon, 431 homeowners — including representatives of those killed in November’s inferno — had signed the letter, which was sent to Lee on Sunday and seen by the HKFP.
The letter asked the government to assist Hop On in holding a face-to-face meeting with the owners to address outstanding issues related to the fire-ravaged residential complex.
Issues include future accommodation arrangements, disbursement of public donations and insurance claims, and management of remaining funds for property renovation and maintenance. The owners are also seeking structural inspection reports for the property’s eight towers.
“Although some information has been released through existing channels, many details remained unclear, including the rationale for policy-making, timetables, follow-up actions and financial statements,” the Chinese-language letter said.
“We believe that only through a formal meeting of homeowners, allowing each resident to directly ask their questions and receive immediate answers, can confusion be eliminated and consensus reached. Property management will also become more transparent and reliable.”
Hop On, a subsidiary of property giant Chinachem Group, was appointed by the government as the temporary administrator of Wang Fuk Court to assist homeowners with recovery efforts following the fire, after mass fire which killed 168 people and displaced thousands.
The board of owners of the Wang Fuk court was disbands in Januaryafter the Lands Court ruled that post-fire relief work was “clearly beyond the experience and knowledge” of board members.
Since Hop On took over the management of the property, she has launched an online platform for residents to submit requests and make announcements. However, there is no word on whether a personal meeting will be held.
HKFP has contacted Hop On for comment.
below Hong Kong Building Management Ordinance, a property management committee must call a general meeting at the written request of at least five percent of the owners within 45 days of receiving such a request.
