Contingency when Lift Companies Exit Singapore's Market
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Tin Pei Ling’s inquiry regarding the impact and contingency plans should a lift company fold or withdraw from the Singapore market. Minister Lawrence Wong stated that with over 100 registered contractors available, lift owners can engage alternative providers, while proprietary parts can be sourced from overseas, local suppliers, or through lift modifications. For public housing, the Housing and Development Board will work with Town Councils to provide interim maintenance support until a fresh tender is awarded. The Housing and Development Board will also assist Town Councils in sourcing necessary replacement parts where required. These measures ensure a smooth transition and continuous lift maintenance to cover residents until a new contract is awarded.
Transcript
82 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) what will be the impact if a lift company folds or withdraws from Singapore; and (b) what is the Ministry's contingency plan when such an event occurs.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Singapore has an open and competitive market for lift installation and maintenance works. Lift owners can choose from a list of more than 100 lift contractors registered with the Building and Construction Authority. This includes Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and third-party contractors. Given this range, if any lift contractor were to fold up or withdraw from Singapore, there would be other contractors for lift owners to engage.
There may be concern about the ability to procure proprietary lift parts if an OEM were to fold or withdraw from Singapore. But this can be addressed. For instance, contractors can source parts from the OEM if it is still operating outside of Singapore. They can also look for compatible parts from other local suppliers. Yet another option is for contractors to consider modifying the lifts to use other types of parts that are available.
For cases involving lifts in public housing estates, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will work with the relevant Town Councils to ensure a smooth transition by bringing on board another lift company that provides interim support and maintenance of the lifts. This will cover residents until a fresh tender for the maintenance contract is called and awarded by the Town Council. Where necessary, HDB will also work with the Town Council to assist in looking for appropriate replacement parts for the lifts.