Design and Installation of Smaller Lifts for Lift Upgrading Programme in Choa Chu Kang Ave 3

84 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for National Development (a) what were the reasons for the design and installation of smaller lifts under previous Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) such as those in Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3; and (b) whether future HDB LUPs will involve consultations with residents and stakeholders to ensure larger lift designs that can accommodate first responders in evacuation scenarios.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: In assessing the type of lifts to install under the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP), the Housing and Development Board takes a holistic approach to design for technical feasibility and cost effectiveness. The smaller-capacity lifts were installed for low-rise blocks with few units, such as those at Choa Chu Kang Ave 3. These smaller capacity lifts were designed to be wide enough to accommodate a standard wheelchair easily. While these lifts cannot accommodate Singapore Civil Defence Force's stretcher, SCDF will use alternative methods of evacuation, such as a soft carrying canvas or staircase evacuation.

For all LUP projects, including those conducted for blocks at Choa Chu Kang Ave 3, the lift dimensions were communicated to residents through brochures and posters as part of the polling process.