Replace Programme for Sigma/LG Lifts after HDB Ban on Sigma Elevator Since 2015
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the potential replacement of Sigma/LG lifts, as raised by Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim following Sigma Elevator's 2015 bidding restriction. Minister Desmond Lee explained the restriction was due to installation delays and high initial breakdown rates caused by door and sensor issues. He stated that Sigma has since improved lift performance by strengthening components, with these lifts meeting HDB standards for the past two years. Consequently, Minister Desmond Lee clarified that there is no requirement for a replacement programme. He also confirmed that the tender restriction on Sigma was lifted last year after the company improved its performance.
Transcript
140 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development in light of the barring of Sigma Elevator Pte Ltd from bidding for HDB elevator contracts since 2015 due to higher-than-normal breakdown rates, whether there are plans by HDB to consider implementing a selected lift replacement programme for Sigma/LG lifts in blocks where such lifts are installed.
Mr Desmond Lee: HDB had restricted Sigma from tendering for new HDB lift term contracts in October 2015 due to its inability to fully adhere to the timeline of lift installation under its contract with HDB, namely the 23rd Lift Term Contract. This was to allow Sigma to focus on completing the installation of lifts, and also to improve the performance of the installed lifts under the contract, which had then registered a higher than usual breakdown rate in the first year of operation. Most of the breakdowns were due to the misalignment of the lift doors or lift sensors, mainly caused by knocks and rough use.
Since then, Sigma has carried out a series of actions to improve the performance of those lifts, such as strengthening lift door components including door springs and steel ropes to counter the impact of knocks and rough use. The performance of the lifts installed under the 23rd Lift Term Contract has since improved and has been meeting the required performance standards set by HDB for the past two years. There is therefore no requirement to replace these lifts. The tender restriction imposed on Sigma has also been lifted last year.