Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak confirmed on Saturday that authorities have applied to the Lands Tribunal to invoke Section 31 of the Building Management Ordinance. This marks the first time the government has utilized this legal provision to remove an existing owners’ corporation management committee.
The government has appointed Hop On Management Company, a subsidiary of the Chinachem Group, as the interim administrator. To support the residents, Hop On has agreed to waive all administrative fees. Additionally, the Kung Yu Sum Charitable Management Limited has pledged a donation of HK$5 million to cover the costs of hiring lawyers, accountants, and other professional services, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on property owners.
Speaking to the press more than three weeks after the blaze, Ms. Mak explained that Wang Fuk Court is facing “unprecedented challenges” that exceed the capacity of a standard volunteer committee. She cited a complex web of issues requiring immediate attention, including the follow-up on major repair works, the handling of maintenance contracts and accounts, insurance claims, and the arrangement of new security and management services as the current provider’s contract nears expiration.
“These complex problems involve multiple layers of technical, legal, and financial considerations that are not within the capability of a general management committee to handle,” Mak said.
The Secretary emphasized that the government’s intervention is a takeover of the “management committee”, not the owners’ corporation itself. She assured residents that the move does not deprive them of their rights.
“On the contrary, this allows owners to receive assistance from a professional management company, including legal consultancy, to better exercise their power in making decisions for the estate,” Mak stated. She clarified that future decisions will still be made in accordance with regulations, including voting at general meetings.
Under the new arrangement, the interim administrator is subject to strict oversight. They must submit progress reports to the government monthly and report to the Lands Tribunal every three months.
Moving forward, the administrator will be responsible for seeking professional advice and conducting detailed analyses regarding repair works, contracts, and financial management. These findings will be presented to the owners, who will retain the final authority to vote on and approve the proposals.
