The family of deceased firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died while battling Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in seven decades, will receive HK$6.15 million (US$831,250) in financial support in recognition of his courage and selflessness.
The government on Friday announced a grant approved by the body responsible for providing financial help to families of individuals who died while saving others.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, who also chairs the committee, paid tribute to Ho’s bravery.
“Mr Ho demonstrated exceptional courage and a high degree of gallantry to save and protect the lives of others, which commands our greatest respect ... We deeply mourn the loss of such an excellent and devoted public servant,” he said.
“The grant represents the government’s recognition of the late Mr Ho’s gallantry and selflessness of the highest order.”
Ho died on November 26 during a search and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The inferno killed 168 people and left nearly 5,000 displaced.
The grant for Ho’s family followed new relief measures introduced by the banking industry on Wednesday for residents affected by the blaze.
According to the government, banks have offered support to give residents more time to assess long-term housing and financial arrangements.
All 28 retail banks will extend the repayment grace period for existing mortgages, personal loans and credit card debts for affected individuals by another six months.
The extension will now run until the end of November this year to ease affected residents’ short-term financial pressure.
For residents opting for the “flat-for-flat” rehousing scheme, banks will allow the substitution of the original property with a newly bought subsidised sale flat as mortgage collateral and extend the repayment grace period until the new home is ready for occupation.
For residents choosing the “cash acquisition” option to repay their existing mortgage loans, banks will adopt a flexible approach in handling any new mortgage applications for subsequent housing arrangements.
Last month, the government announced plans to spend about HK$6.8 billion to buy back homes damaged in the fire from owners, offering HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot as part of a long-term resettlement strategy involving HK$4 billion in public funds.
The flat-for-flat exchange option allows homeowners to buy new subsidised homes from 10 designated projects under the Housing Authority or Housing Society. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
