Following Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades, which tragically struck Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the city's home affairs minister, Alice Mak Mei-kuen, has issued a crucial appeal to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for improved coordination in their relief efforts. The devastating incident led to widespread confusion and long queues for affected residents seeking aid, prompting the government's call for a more streamlined approach.
Call for Centralized Coordination in Fire Aid
Secretary Mak, speaking on Saturday, acknowledged the immediate goodwill of numerous charitable groups rushing to assist. However, she highlighted the resulting logistical challenges.
"Many charitable organisations and NGOs want to offer help immediately. They rush to the temporary shelters and set up counters, start distributing subsidies or relief supplies. This makes the affected residents queue up at multiple counters," Mak explained, describing the chaotic scenes and repeated queues residents endured.
Mak emphasized the importance of NGOs liaising directly with the Social Welfare Department. This centralized coordination would allow department staff to process applications for various subsidies and relief supplies in a single, efficient process, eliminating the need for residents to queue multiple times. She proposed that all organizations contact the department to ensure residents are fully informed about available assistance and can receive comprehensive support.
Dispelling Misinformation and Managing Donations
Furthermore, Secretary Mak categorically refuted allegations that government-backed care teams had involved police to disperse volunteers managing makeshift aid stations. She also dismissed circulating rumors about care team members being impolite to residents, reiterating the government's commitment to effective and respectful aid delivery.
In a related development, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing urged the public to temporarily halt further donations. He stated that sufficient resources had already been amassed, and an influx of additional supplies could lead to wastage. To manage collected resources efficiently, the government plans to establish a central supply station at the Tai Po Community Centre. Donors wishing to contribute in the future are advised to register their information and item details via WhatsApp number 9213 2388, ensuring controlled and necessary distribution.