Hong Kong defends 3-hour limit for Wang Fuk Court residents to collect belongings

Hong Kong authorities say strict time rules balance safety, order and equal access for all residents.

Photo: Jonathan Wong Hong Kong authorities have insisted that the three-hour time limit is sufficient for residents of the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court to retrieve their belongings, with discretion to be exercised for those requesting a second entry.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said on Saturday that although each household could register up to four people to enter the building, only one person would be allowed into severely damaged flats owing to safety concerns. “With four people and three hours allowed, they would have 12 hours in total to pack,” said Cheuk on a radio programme. “I don’t think saying goodbye to your home requires that much time….

And residents probably know where their belongings are.” The government announced the day before that residents of Wang Fuk Court could retrieve their belongings from April 20, depending on which housing block they lived in.

Cheuk said that allowing more time for entry would delay the overall schedule, meaning some residents would have to wait longer to return to their flats.

He said about 300 flats were severely damaged and could admit only one or two people at a time, though the four registered members of a household could take turns.

The remaining 1,400 or so households could have four people entering together.

Asked whether residents could make multiple trips to collect more belongings, Cheuk said each household would have only one opportunity to enter and leave the building, accompanied by government staff.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk.

Photo: Elson Li He explained that this arrangement was meant to prevent the chaos of too many people moving up and down the stairs and to protect residents’ property.

However, he added that discretion could be exercised in specific cases. “If you lived on a very low floor, and we reached a point where others have already left, and I can see you right there under my supervision, whether you could manage an extra trip or two is something I believe can be handled on the spot,” he said.

Authorities also expect some bereaved residents to hold memorial rites inside their flats for lost family members, but Cheuk warned against lighting candles or burning offerings and incense sticks due to safety risks.

He stressed that climbing the stairs would be physically demanding for those living on higher floors and urged residents to be mindful of their l

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