Wang Fuk Court residents in resettlement limbo slam ‘unhelpful’ engagement officers

Some Hong Kong residents displaced by the deadly Tai Po fire remain in limbo as they complained of rude or unhelpful officers on a government outreach team who failed to answer their questions about authorities’ long-term resettlement plan.The 100-strong engagement team, which started operations on March 2 along with an inquiry hotline, was tasked with contacting nearly 2,000 Wang Fuk Court homeowners to address questions arising from the government’s rehousing plan, which includes a flat-for-flat exchange or cash-out plan.Two weeks after the team was deployed, the South China Morning Post spoke to 12 residents and found that only four had been contacted by an officer, and one had been chasing for answers via the government hotline.Those who did speak to team members were persuaded to consider the options offered by the government.Jason Kong, a 65-year-old who lived in Wang Yan House with his wife and two sons, said the engagement team member kept pressing him to accept the flat exchange or cash-out offer.He also learned from some of his elderly neighbours that the officers suggested they could retire in Mainland China with the cash if they were not satisfied with the new homes being offered.