Push to dissolve Wang Fuk Court owners' committee

The government on Friday said it was seeking to dissolve the management committee of the owners’ corporation of the fire‑hit Wang Fuk Court and replace it with a property management company to help residents handle complicated legal and accounting matters after the blaze. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak said the government had applied to the Lands Tribunal, in accordance with the Building Management Ordinance, to dissolve the current management committee. This is the first time the government has proactively used this legal process, she said. Mak said the government was concerned about whether the current management committee could handle complex matters and protect residents’ rights and interests. She said the government would appoint Hop On Management, a subsidiary of Chinachem Group, as the new manager to handle follow‑up work for residents. She noted Wang Fuk Court’s management was facing unprecedented challenges, especially in handling engineering contracts and dealing with insurance claims. "This action will only help the owners of Wang Fuk Court to handle the various complicated legal procedures with expertise assistance," Mak said. "Hop On Management has already stated that they will serve Wang Fuk Court residents on a pro-bono basis. "Nina Wang Charity Trustees has agreed to contribute HK$5 million for professional costs or any procurement costs related to the management of Wang Fuk Court." She noted the government was responding to residents' calls for intervention in the management of the estate.