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"Nineteen of them have today been given the keys to their new homes in public housing estates in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung. Five others will get theirs in a few days and the applications of the remaining two are being vetted," the spokesman said.
The 15 singletons who are not eligible for compassionate rehousing have been offered three choices of accommodation assistance.
The spokesman pointed out that since the owner of the flat had indicated that the apartment will not be refurbished or rented out again, these singletons are now homeless.
"Under existing government policy, they may choose to go to Temporary Housing Area units in the New Territories. Several units in Tsing Yi are available to them.
"Alternatively, they may choose to move into one of the singleton hostels run by the Home Affairs Department. The third option is Housing Department's transit centre at Kwok Shui Road, Tsuen Wan."
A few residents on the floor above the bedspace apartment are also demanding rehousing by Government. However, they are not eligible because government building surveyors and structural engineers have inspected the building three times and identified no structural damage.
Besides, the owner of the flat has commenced repairing the minor damages caused by the fire and confirmed that he would continue to let out the rooms.
"In this case, these residents are not homeless and therefore there is no question of rehousing because of the fire.
"However, if any of them believe they have a case for compassionate rehousing, they should approach the SWD. Their cases will be assessed immediately," the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Housing Authority, Ms Rosanna Wong, has offered to meet representatives of fire victims on Monday (April 3) at the Housing Authority Headquarters.
End/Friday, March 31, 1995
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