Inclusion of DBSS Flats in Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme

62 Dr Charlene Chen asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the HDB flats built under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) are included in the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme, especially the pilot project, The Premiere@Tampines, whose ageing units face significant wear-and-tear issues, such as ceiling leaks; and (b) if not, whether the GRA can be extended to such flats.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: As the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme is intended for flats developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), it is not extended to flats under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS), which were designed, built and sold by private developers.

For DBSS flats, the private developers provided a one-year Defects Liability Period and an extended warranty of five years for ceiling leaks and water seepage, and 10 years for spalling concrete. After these have expired, owners of the affected upper and lower floor units are jointly responsible for repairing any ceiling leaks due to wear and tear, in line with flat owners' responsibility for the upkeep of their flats.

Where assistance is needed by flat owners, HDB would provide technical guidance, including goodwill investigative services where feasible and share a list of contractors whom flat owners may engage to carry out the repairs.