Measures to Address Residents' Complaints of Slippery and Wet Drop-off Points, Walkways and Lift Lobbies in HDB BTO Estates

56 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development having regard to climatic changes leading to heavier and more frequent rainfall in Singapore (a) what support does HDB provide to address feedback from residents of HDB BTO estates about slippery and wet drop-off points, walkways and lift lobbies that were originally designed to make them naturally lit and ventilated; and (b) whether HDB is prepared to provide funding to Town Councils to make additions and alterations to such common property amenities affected by climatic changes.

Mr Desmond Lee: HDB blocks are designed to allow for natural lighting and ventilation, while incorporating weather protection features. For example, there are canopies at common corridors for weather protection, floor screeding at lift lobbies and common corridors to reduce water ponding, and drop-down screens at drop-off points to block rainwater.

Despite the features, during heavy downpours, rainwater may splash into common areas, such as lift lobbies, common corridors and drop-off points. When HDB receives feedback from residents regarding excessive rainwater splashing near their unit, HDB will assess the extent of the splashing and provide a rain screen on a case-by-case basis, subject to SCDF's fire safety requirements to ensure that there is adequate open space and cross ventilation at the common corridor.

For new HDB blocks under design, HDB uses digital tools to simulate the effects of rain and wind, to help identify potential areas prone to rainwater splashing and adopt mitigating measures at an early stage. Additional areas and mitigating measures are also identified and taken during construction.

Should Town Councils receive feedback on common areas being wet and slippery, they may approach HDB and we will see how best to assist them.