Cases of Peeling Paintwork from Facades of Recently Completed BTO Flats

49 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many cases of paintwork peeling off or debonding prematurely from the external walls and facades of recently completed BTO flats have been registered with HDB in the past five years; (b) what steps has HDB taken to rectify such cases in BTO estates that have been handed over to Town Councils in the recent past; and (c) whether Town Councils which undertake repair works in these circumstances will be reimbursed by HDB.

Mr Desmond Lee: HDB does not track the number of cases of paintwork peeling off or debonding prematurely from the external walls and facades of recently completed BTO flats.

New BTO developments come with a six-year warranty period for the external paintwork. This warranty is provided to the relevant Town Council when the blocks are handed over to the Town Council for maintenance. The warranty covers defects and imperfections, such as paint peeling, discolouration and algae growth.

Beyond the warranty period, Town Councils are responsible for the maintenance of the paintwork on the walls and facades of HDB blocks.