Gang Aoping: HKSAR government responded to Tai Po fire with accountability

An article published on Thursday by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, under the pen name Gang Aoping, said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's response to the residential fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po demonstrated its sense of responsibility and commitment to addressing public concerns.

The article said the government had announced measures to pursue criminal, administrative and political accountability, following the findings of an independent committee's investigation. It also highlighted the government's efforts to support affected residents through emergency assistance and long-term housing arrangements, with 99.3% of Wang Fuk Court homeowners having accepted the proposed arrangements.

The article noted that the fire exposed longstanding weaknesses in building maintenance and regulatory oversight, underscoring the need for systematic reforms. The SAR government has pledged to strengthen supervision of building maintenance projects and improve relevant regulatory mechanisms.

These efforts reflect the government's commitment to putting people first, addressing problems and improving governance, the article said, adding that the aftermath of the fire is an opportunity for the Hong Kong government and society to uphold the principle of balancing development and security and unite to advance high-quality development.