Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday has expressed gratitude for the condolences and support from the Chinese mainland and across the world following last month’s fatal fire at the Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the public, Lee acknowledged the care and assistance that transcended geographic boundaries. “Fire shows no mercy, but the love of people abounds,” he said.
“We will continue to face challenges with resilience and love, transforming sorrow into strength and assisting those affected in returning to normal life as soon as possible,” he added.
Lee also thanked all sectors of Hong Kong society for their energetic relief efforts and generous donations, which have provided critical support in areas that included accommodations, medical care, and financial aid to help the affected families recover and rebuild their lives.
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After the fire, numerous charitable organizations and funds quickly allocated donations to assist residents. In addition, the SAR government established the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has so far received about HK$3.8 billion ($489 million) in donations. Together with the startup capital of HK$300 million from the government, the total fund reached about HK$4.1 billion as of Friday.
Many members of the public and organizations donated supplies to address the immediate needs of affected residents. The government has to date received over 2,000 registrations through its supplies donation online platform. Over 51,000 donated items in various categories have been distributed to different places, and the matching and distribution of supplies will continue.
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As of Friday morning, 494 residents are staying in hotel rooms through the coordination of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, and 549 residents are staying in youth hostels or camps. Another 3,591 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau, units from the Hong Kong Housing Society, and Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.
The Hong Kong SAR government expressed its gratitude to provincial and municipal governments on the Chinese mainland, foreign governments, diplomatic missions, international organizations, consulates general, honorary consulates, and other officially recognized bodies in Hong Kong for their condolences and support for those affected by the fire.
It added that it will continue to unite different sectors and to lead the community with steadfast determination in its recovery and reforms, in order to build a safer and better Hong Kong.
