Reasons Preventing HDB from Increasing Number of Completed Flats
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the reasons for fluctuations in HDB flat completion numbers and constraints on increasing output in 2023, as raised by Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong. Minister Desmond Lee explained that annual completions depend on construction commencement years, site conditions, and design complexity, which resulted in the lower figures seen in 2019. Despite COVID-19 delays, HDB delivered over 20,000 flats in 2022, representing a 50% increase from 2021 and the highest volume in the last five years. Minister Desmond Lee noted that physical constraints, such as limited space for machinery and lifts at specific sites, currently prevent further acceleration of construction schedules. HDB is utilizing technology to optimize construction timelines while maintaining strict safety regulations and quality standards to ensure the timely delivery of affordable homes.
Transcript
26 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for National Development (a) why the number of HDB flats completed in 2019 was 12,114 which is a lower number as compared to 17,556 HDB flats completed in 2018; (b) why the expected number of HDB flats completed in 2023 is flat compared to 2022: and (c) what is preventing HDB from increasing the number of completed HDB flats in 2023.
Mr Desmond Lee: The number of HDB flats completed each year depends on a variety of factors such as the number of flats that commenced construction in preceding years, and attributes of individual projects such as site availability, storey height, number of units, design, site conditions and constraints, which in turn affect the construction period. Projects with challenging site conditions or more complex designs may also take a longer time to construct. The combination of these different factors resulted in the lower number of completed flats in 2019.
We have ramped up our supply and resources to reduce the extent of the delays to BTO projects brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and are working hard to deliver affordable and quality homes for Singaporeans. In 2022, HDB delivered more than 20,000 flats across 22 housing projects, the largest number of flats and housing projects in the last five years. The number of flats completed increased by 50% from 2021.
However, there remain constraints at certain planned BTO sites. For example, space constraints limit the number of temporary construction lifts and machinery on-site. Where possible, we have optimised construction time through the use of technology, while complying with safety regulations and quality standards.
Nonetheless, we will sustain our efforts to deliver affordable homes as soon as possible, while not compromising on quality and safety.