Current Average Waiting Time to Complete Goodwill Repair Assistance Cases and Ways to Expedite Process
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the average completion time for Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) cases and methods to expedite the process, as raised by Ms Tin Pei Ling. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee explained that HDB co-pays 50% of repair costs for ceiling leaks and spalling concrete, while the remainder is shared by owners. He reported that completion times have increased to between four and six months because of industry-wide construction worker shortages stemming from the COVID-19 situation. To mitigate delays, HDB prioritises urgent works and provides residents with a list of private contractors they can hire independently to expedite repairs. Residents facing financial constraints regarding their share of costs are referred by HDB to grassroots organisations and Community Development Councils for additional support.
Transcript
9 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the current average waiting time to complete Goodwill Repair Assistance cases; (b) what factors affect the waiting time; and (c) how can the process be expedited.
Mr Desmond Lee: Flat owners are responsible for maintaining the interior of their flats. This includes repairs to ceiling leaks and spalling concrete that may occur due to wear and tear over time. Nevertheless, HDB offers assistance for HDB residents to address these issues under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme. Under the scheme, HDB will arrange for the repairs and co-pay 50% of the repair cost. The remaining 50% will be borne by the affected resident for cases of spalling concrete and shared between the upper and lower floor residents for ceiling leak repair.
With the current industry-wide shortage of construction workers arising from the COVID-19 situation, there has been delays to HDB’s upgrading and repair works, including those under the GRA scheme. The current average waiting time to complete each case under the GRA scheme is between four and six months.
We understand that residents will be disappointed with the longer waiting time. HDB is doing its best to continue with the necessary works under prevailing safe management measures (SMM) guidelines and will prioritise urgent or critical works, and assist residents wherever possible.
Residents who wish to have the repair works carried out earlier can consider engaging their own contractor to carry out the repairs. HDB can provide flat owners with a list of repair contractors whom they can then engage on a private basis. Residents who need financial assistance with the cost of repairs can seek assistance from grassroots organisations and Community Development Councils (CDCs). HDB will assist such residents by referring them to these community organisations.