The critical step for traumatised families to make a fresh start also reflects the impact of a collective citywide approach to disaster relief. The authorities and the community deserve credit for acting with empathy and fiscal decisiveness to set the stage relatively quickly.
The government’s comprehensive HK$7.8 billion (US$994.50 million) programme has allowed for reasonable offers of relocation funds and rental grants. The considerate terms were rightly generous considering the suffering of those who lost homes and loved ones.
Understandable challenges exist for residents struggling with the emotional and physical work of saying farewell. The scheme appears to have been helpful through its fairness and practical appeal, as illustrated by the fact that 83 per cent took up buy-back offers for flats in Wang Chi House, the only block that escaped physical damage from the fire.
As the process continues until a final August 31 deadline, compassion must continue to be extended even to the smaller group of the displaced who have not returned acceptance letters. For some, it must surely be agonising to contemplate the finality of signing away a place associated with decades of memories.
Such hesitation should continue to be met with empathy rather than bureaucratic impatience. The authorities have been urged to follow up with those who remain reluctant to better understand their intentions.