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Hong Kong NGO Reverses Course on Appliance Ownership After Public Backlash Following Deadly Fire
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The Hong Kong nonprofit SideBySide has reversed a policy requiring displaced residents from the fatal Tai Po fire to leave donated appliances behind when vacating temporary housing, following a swift and vocal public outcry.
A Hong Kong NGO providing temporary housing to displaced residents from the fatal Tai Po fire has backtracked on a requirement that families leave appliances behind when they move out. The decision underscores the sensitivity surrounding aid distribution in the wake of the devastating blaze that claimed 161 lives.
Fire and Displacement in Tai Po
The reversal, announced on Sunday, came after SideBySide faced criticism for it’s initial stance on ownership of items provided to residents housed in its “Good House” transitional housing project. Many questioned the NGO’s right to retain appliances, arguing that the majority were specifically donated for the benefit of those affected by the November 26th fire at Wang Fuk Court.
“We have listened to your feedback,” the NGO stated in a Facebook post. “Any Wang Fuk Court residents currently staying in Good House are welcome to take household appliances and furniture with them when they leave, based on their needs.” SideBySide added that it would prioritize replenishing supplies to accommodate incoming residents.
Public Criticism and Calls for Transparency
the U-turn, however, did not quell all criticism. Some online commenters demanded a formal apology from the association, while others accused SideBySide of “greed” and threatened to withhold future support. A Facebook user wrote, “If you’ve got the guts, go public with what was donated to you, what you obtained via subsidies, and what was meant for the victims. Keep it fair and transparent – don’t say people are framing you.”
The controversy stemmed from initial reports that residents would not be permitted to take larger appliances with them, a policy intended to ensure basic supplies were available for future tenants. Smaller items, such as clothing, pillows, and personal care appliances, were always intended for residents to keep.
Initial conditions at Good House and Aid distribution
SideBySide explained that the units at Good House were initially sparsely furnished, equipped only with water heaters. The NGO afterward provided refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions, bed frames, mattresses, furniture, and curtains, sourced through both corporate donations and funds obtained through grant applications. As of early December, 160 households – representing nearly 400 displaced residents – had moved into Good House.
The NGO had previously expressed gratitude for “generous donations” including monetary contributions, food, furniture, electronic appliances, and daily necessities.
Broader Housing Efforts and Ongoing Inquiry
As of Sunday, a total of 3,513 residents impacted by the Tai Po fire were housed in transitional accommodations provided by the Housing Bureau, the Hong Kong housing Society (HKHS), and Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun, according to government figures.An additional 572 residents were staying in hotel rooms coordinated by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, while 563 were accommodated in youth hostels or camps.
The fire at Wang Fuk Court, which erupted while the estate was undergoing extensive renovations, is believed to have been exacerbated by non-compliant foam boards and construction netting. Authorities have confirmed the death toll reached 161 on Saturday, after forensic testing revealed that one
