Anarcho Village experienced a major fire last November, with the government arranging for residents to return to their units for clean-up starting today (20th). Among them, 78 households in Anarcho Palace registered to clean up in batches today.
Mr. Chung, who lives on a lower floor, along with four family members and friends, described himself as relatively lucky as his unit was not burned and his belongings were still in place without any losses. After spending two hours cleaning up, he was able to retrieve items like a computer and marriage certificate, which he packed in five or six red, white, and blue bags. He expressed feeling strange upon returning home, noticing things he never paid attention to before, such as the original layout and decoration of his unit.
Regarding the items he retrieved today, Mr. Chung mentioned that he only took valuables, leaving behind items like clothes. He said that items like a gaming console and TV were no longer usable due to the fire, expressing concerns about future living arrangements given the skyrocketing property prices. He hoped that the government or charities could provide assistance with renovations, as he would be left without money after the compensation for renovations, feeling disheartened by the situation. He also mentioned that the option of swapping units would be a last resort for him. Even after retrieving his belongings, he admitted to not knowing where to place them at the moment.
He further noted that the condition of the unit was better than expected, with fewer insects and less odor than anticipated. Despite the burnt staircase, he found the ventilation improved due to the shattered glass in the stairwell, allowing for better airflow and breathing during his movements.
Another resident, Mr. Guan, aged 68, living on the top floor of Anarcho Tower, shared that his unit showed no signs of fire damage. He planned to return with his family to retrieve sentimental items like his parents’ ancestral tablets and photos, while dismissing other items like cameras and camcorders as unnecessary. Admitting to struggling with the stairs due to limited physical strength, Mr. Guan joked about the lack of valuable items in his home and expressed contentment with letting others take what they needed.
When asked about preferences between rebuilding on the same site or exchanging units, Mr. Guan expressed resignation, implying that the decision lay in the hands of the authorities. Among the available options, he chose a unit in Tai Po, emphasizing that the final decision would unfold in the coming years.
Mrs. Tam, who had lived in Anarcho Grand for over forty years on a lower floor, is scheduled to return home on the 2nd of next month. Visiting occasionally after the fire, she felt a mix of sadness and acceptance, quoting the Chinese proverb “過去的就已過去” (the past is the past) to reflect on the incident. She expressed a desire to retrieve personal items like porcelain, pots, shoes, and clothes, prioritizing valuables like jewelry and cash. If given the chance to return to the unit, she affirmed her willingness to do so.
Regarding the choice between unit exchange or site reconstruction, Mrs. Tam deferred the decision to her husband and children. Asked about her expectations for an independent investigation committee and finding the truth, she admitted to avoiding hearings, wanting to move on from the distressing memories and preferring not to delve into the details of the investigation.