Proactive Checks of HDB Flats at Henderson Crescent for Repair and Maintenance of Common Issues
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Joan Pereira’s inquiry on whether HDB can proactively check Henderson Crescent flats for spalling concrete and corroded pipes outside the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) cycle. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee responded that flat owners are responsible for regular maintenance, though the HIP systematically addresses such issues for flats around 30 years old. HDB provides a Home Care Guide to assist owners with preventive measures and information on engaging repair contractors. Under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, HDB helps arrange repairs for spalling concrete and co-pays 50% of the costs for Singapore Citizen households. These measures collectively support the maintenance of older HDB flats through a combination of owner responsibility and government-led improvement programmes.
Transcript
47 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can perform a proactive check of the flats at Henderson Crescent for repair and maintenance of common issues, such as spalling concrete and corroded pipes, outside of the Home Improvement Programme cycle.
Mr Desmond Lee: As flats age, they will experience natural deterioration of building materials, which may lead to spalling concrete and corroded pipes.
Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of their flats and are encouraged to inspect the ceilings and the fixtures in their flats regularly and to undertake maintenance and repair works where needed.
For flats that are around 30 years old, the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) systematically and proactively addresses common maintenance issues and provides improvements within flats to enhance the living condition of these older flats. Repairs to spalling concrete and structural cracks in flats are covered under HIP.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has developed a comprehensive Home Care Guide which flat owners can access on HDB’s Infoweb. This guide includes maintenance tips, preventive measures, videos and a list of repair contractors whom owners can consider engaging. We encourage flat owners to use this guide to maintain their flats in good condition.
Where necessary, HDB will provide assistance to flat owners to repair spalling concrete issues. Under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, HDB assists flat owners in arranging for repair works and co-pays 50% of the cost of repairs for Singapore Citizen households.