20th December 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Independent Committee examining the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po held its inaugural meeting on Friday, formally commencing its work. In parallel, three government task forces — on Investigation and Regulation, on Emergency Support and Fund‑Raising, and on Emergency Accommodation Arrangements — are advancing assistance, relief and inquiry efforts linked to the incident.
The Government’s Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court has received around HK$3.5 billion in donations as of midday today. With HK$300 million in start‑up capital from the Government, the fund now totals approximately HK$3.8 billion and will be used to help residents rebuild their homes and to provide sustained, longer‑term support. The previously announced living allowance from the fund for each affected household has been doubled from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000; 1,929 cases have been processed to date. Families of each deceased victim will receive a solidarity payment of HK$200,000 and a HK$50,000 funeral subsidy, with 144 cases processed so far. Disbursements will be made in phases.
Social workers from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have contacted more than 1,980 affected households, providing a “one social worker per household” follow‑up service to over 4,900 residents. The SWD will maintain close liaison with households to deliver necessary assistance while fully supporting the Government’s relief operations.
More than 1,000 units remain available for longer‑term rehousing of affected residents. Transitional housing and Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) projects across districts can currently offer about 400 units, while Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 in Kai Tak can provide around 900 units in total. As of this morning, 613 residents are staying in hotel rooms arranged by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, and 552 are accommodated in youth hostels or camps. A further 3,503 residents are living in transitional housing supplied by the Housing Bureau, HKHS units or Po Tin Interim Housing.
The Transport Department (TD) has coordinated with public transport operators to bolster franchised bus, green minibus and residents’ services, deploying additional vehicles and staff to support those relocated to transitional housing in various districts and to facilitate inter‑district connections. Measures include a new shuttle linking Lok Sin Village in Tai Po with Tai Po Market Station and extended operating hours on KMB route 75K. The TD will continue to work with transitional housing operators and transport providers to meet commuting needs.
An online platform for donations of supplies, set up by the Government with the information technology sector, remains in operation to register contributions from organisations and the public. Approximately 2,000 registrations have been received so far, about 30 per cent from organisations and the remainder from individuals. Donated items include food and drinks, clothing, daily necessities, bedding and electrical appliances. The Government is assessing needs with relevant bureaux, departments and service organisations to match and distribute appropriate items in phases. To date, over 29,000 items have been delivered to various locations, with matching and distribution ongoing.
On regulation and inspection, the Buildings Department (BD) today issued a practice note to registered contractors outlining a new sampling mechanism for scaffold nets announced last week. The mechanism applies to nets used in both repair projects and new build sites. To support implementation, the BD has published an initial list of designated laboratories on its website and will update it continuously. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is preparing bulk procurement and coordinating testing services. The Hong Kong Institute of Construction’s San Tin Training Ground has been designated for off‑site sampling. The Government and CIC are working towards reinstalling the first batch of scaffold nets within a month of procurement and testing.
Separately, the Government has invoked Section 31 of the Building Management Ordinance (Cap. 344) and applied to the Lands Tribunal to dissolve the current management committee of the Wang Fuk Court owners’ corporation (OC). It has proposed appointing Hop On Management Company Limited, under the Chinachem Group, as the designated administrator to assist owners with post‑fire management and follow‑up. Subject to the Tribunal’s approval, the Home Affairs Department will set up a dedicated team to work closely with Hop On on building management matters, including works contracts, insurance claims, financial management and resident support. Hop On has stated it will undertake the appointment on a pro bono basis. In addition, Nina Wang Charity Management Limited has indicated that, if the application is approved, it will donate HK$5 million to the OC to meet costs associated with engaging legal, accounting or other professional services.
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