Hong Kong secures 99.1% ownership of Hoi Fook Estate after fatal fire

Hong Kong authorities have secured 99.1% ownership rights for the Hoi Fook Estate (also referred to as Wang Fuk Court) following a devastating fire that claimed 168 lives. Of the approximately 1,984 owners, 1,967 have accepted a government buyout offer, leaving only 17 households outstanding.

While the high acceptance rate is viewed by some as a milestone for recovery and a path for residents to rebuild elsewhere, others have raised concerns regarding the process. Some residents have alleged coercion and expressed distrust toward the government, particularly due to the refusal to release detailed building safety and inspection reports. Officials have cited “unfinished assessments” and the risk of misleading the public during typhoon season as reasons for withholding the data.

The government has announced a plan for on-site reconstruction targeted for 2035, though critics argue this timeline is too distant to assist current displaced residents. An independent inquiry into the blaze is expected to table its report next month.