Construction of Portable Ramps at Entrances to Old HDB Flats
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Ang Hin Kee’s suggestion for HDB to offer portable ramp rentals and permanent retrofitting for old flats with multi-step entrances while decentralising the approval process. Minister Lawrence Wong replied that HDB is studying customized accessibility solutions that avoid obstructing fire escape routes and is considering the proposal for potential inclusion in the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme. He stated that while renting ramps might be impractical, HDB is exploring financial assistance for low-income families and seeking to streamline approvals for residents who engage private vendors. Minister Lawrence Wong noted that residents can currently approach HDB branches to install ramps or seek aid from voluntary welfare organisations for financial assistance. This initiative addresses the needs of elderly and wheelchair-bound residents in flats originally designed with stepped entrances for privacy and security.
Transcript
90 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider (i) allowing residents living in old HDB flats with multi-step entrances the option of renting portable ramps from HDB and complementing this option with retrofitting the flats with permanent ramps and (ii) decentralising the budget and approval process to the respective HDB branch offices or Community Development Councils with inputs from grassroots leaders for such initiatives to be rolled out.
Mr Lawrence Wong: As Mr Ang Hin Kee is aware, some older Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats built in the 1970s and 1980s were designed with multiple-stepped entrances to offer more privacy and added security for occupants of the flats. However, with an ageing population, elderly residents and wheelchair users in these units may now face difficulties negotiating the steps.
HDB has been studying this issue carefully. Any solution will likely have to be customised to the flat configuration, corridor space availability and the residents' needs, without posing maintenance issues or obstructing the fire escape route. Different solutions will likely be needed for flats with different locational conditions, and it may not be practical for HDB to stock up and rent out ramps. Nonetheless, HDB will take the Member’s suggestion into consideration in its ongoing study.
When we have developed the appropriate solutions, we could implement them as an expansion of the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) or through other programmes. HDB is exploring with other agencies/authorities the financial assistance that could be provided for low-income families who may need such ramps or platforms.
Meanwhile, residents who wish to engage a private vendor to install ramps today can approach the HDB branches. HDB is exploring how to make it easier for residents to get the necessary approvals to install the ramps. Those who need financial assistance for the ramp installation may also approach voluntary welfare organisations or their Advisers for assistance.