More than half of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court homeowners have signed contracts to sell flats to gov’t, Hong Kong leader says

More than half of the homeowners whose flats were damaged in the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire have signed contracts to sell their properties back to the government. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that 53 percent of affected residents have finalized sale agreements, with an overwhelming 90.8 percent having taken the first step by signing a letter of acceptance.

The buyback plan is a crucial measure for the residents of Wang Fuk Court, a government-subsidised housing estate where a massive blaze in November last year claimed 168 lives and displaced thousands. Lee described the process as "smooth" and urged the remaining homeowners to make a timely decision before the offer expires at the end of August. The scheme is intended to help residents regain normalcy as swiftly as possible.

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The entire process has been “smooth.”

Approximately 200 homeowners have yet to accept the government's offer. Authorities previously indicated that legislation might be considered to acquire the flats of those who refuse to sell, especially after announcing that the estate would not be rebuilt on its original site. This has left some residents feeling they have little choice but to accept the buyback terms.

In separate remarks, Chief Executive Lee also expressed his respect for the Chief Justice's decision to request the early retirement of a High Court judge following multiple plagiarism instances. The judge was found to have plagiarized in his rulings at least five times over the past three years, leading to appeals and one retrial.

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The offer was aimed at restoring normalcy for them as soon as possible.