Hongfu Garden Hearing | Residents of Hongzhi Pavilion: The Inner Secrets of the Estate's Major Repairs Are "Very Dark"

Today, witness and resident of Hongzhi Pavilion, Wang Shulan, stated that she has been managing her mother’s stall at Tai Po Market for many years, which has given her many opportunities to interact with local residents. She revealed that many residents have mentioned that volunteers associated with the Tai Po South District Councilor Huang Bijiiao have solicited authorization letters, and some elderly people, out of fear, comply. She also saw instances where the other party and volunteers argued, and has heard of fake authorization ballots and even residents’ addresses being stolen for voting registration.

During her testimony, Wang Shulan broke down in tears, describing the major repairs of the estate as “very dark,” questioning the high costs, which she had also tried to contest, but said she was disturbed by many people. She pointed out that another estate, No. 8 Garden, also faced a similar situation where each household had to pay 300,000 yuan for major repairs, criticizing the process as “again involving the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong,” and describing residents as “being slaughtered like sheep.” It was only after the fire that people seemed to become more alert, and with recent arrests by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, there is a sense of relief. Judge Lu Qikang later added that if the public has relevant information or evidence to assist the investigation, even if the time is short, they should come forward.

Wang Shulan also mentioned that since she lives on the 4th floor and sometimes leaves through the back stairs when in a hurry, she has never successfully opened the main door or heard the alarm go off. She only once had someone outside the door who helped her open it from the outside.