Mandating Cyclical Improvement Requirements for Critical Building Systems in Private Developments
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik's inquiry on introducing mandatory cyclical improvement requirements for critical systems in private developments and safeguards for timely maintenance. Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat replied that mandatory upgrades at fixed intervals are not planned because system failure risks and usage patterns vary significantly. He noted that the Building and Construction Authority mandates periodic inspections, such as annual lift checks and facade inspections every seven years, requiring owners to take remedial action. The Ministry is reviewing safety standards for ageing equipment and studying ways to help Management Corporations ensure they have adequate sinking funds for essential maintenance works. Ultimately, the responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of strata developments remains with the Management Corporation Strata Title and subsidiary proprietors under the Building (Strata Management) Act.
Transcript
35 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will consider introducing mandatory cyclical improvement requirements for critical building systems in private developments, such as lifts, roofing and electrical systems; and (b) if not, what safeguards exist to ensure that ageing private estates undertake such improvements in a timely manner under the current voluntary framework.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: There are currently no plans to introduce mandatory cyclical improvement requirements for critical building systems in private developments. Mandatory upgrades at a fixed frequency or when systems meet a certain age may not be practical, as the failure risk of these systems can vary widely in lifespan and usage patterns.
To safeguard public safety, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) requires building owners to carry out periodic inspections for key systems. For instance, lifts must be inspected annually. There are requirements for building facades, including roofs, to be inspected at least once every seven years under the periodic facade inspection regime. Where there are findings from the inspections, building owners are responsible to implement remedial actions. BCA is also reviewing measures to ensure that ageing lifts and escalators keep pace with modern safety standards, such as through the inclusion of features that regulate their speed and movement.
Under the Building (Strata Management) Act (BSMA), the responsibility for the proper maintenance and upkeep of strata developments rests with the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) and collectively, the subsidiary proprietors. As part of the ongoing BSMA review, BCA is studying ways to help MCST plan for and work towards having adequate sinking funds for essential maintenance or upgrades.