Inspection of Older HDB Main Doors Installed Before Weather Pattern Changes to Test Their Adequacy to Withstand Elements

48 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development considering that many HDB flats were built in the years when rainy weather was less extreme compared to today, whether HDB will (i) do a one-time inspection of the main doors that bore the brunt of heavy rain to ensure safety and (ii) provide goodwill repair of damaged doors.

Mr Lawrence Wong: During a heavy downpour, especially during the monsoon season, some rainwater splashing along the more open areas like lift lobbies and common corridors is inevitable. For weather protection, common corridors are provided with an extended overhang like a canopy. While this is generally adequate to minimise rainwater splashing during normal rainy days, it may not be able to fully prevent the corridor or main doors of flats from getting wet during heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds.

Nonetheless, if HDB receives feedback from residents that the rainwater splashing is severe, HDB will assess the situation and, if necessary, offer to provide a rain screen, subject to SCDF's fire safety requirements being met.