Hong Kong eases rules for Wang Fuk Court residents retrieving belongings

Displaced residents of the fire-hit blocks at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court may be allowed repeated trips back to their flats to collect belongings, after officials softened their stance amid an online petition appealing for greater flexibility.Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said on Monday that residents who wished to go back and forth to pack their belongings could speak to their designated social workers.“We appreciate that residents do not want a ‘one-size-fits-all’ arrangement. So, we will exercise flexibility and, depending on the actual situation and the order on site, allow residents to go back more than once,” Cheuk said.“It will be the first time residents can return to their flats to pick up belongings. If they feel they need to make more trips back to their flats to retrieve their belongings, they can approach their social workers.”The relaxed stance came two days after Cheuk insisted on Saturday that the original arrangement – a single trip with three hours allocated – was sufficient as it was not intended to be a “house removal”.His remarks sparked criticism from some residents, who launched an online signature petition calling for flexibility and more time for them to “bid proper farewell” to their former homes. Over the weekend, close to 550 signatures were reportedly collected and submitted to Cheuk.Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk (left) and Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun at Wang Fuk Court. Photo: Elson Li