Universal Concept for HDB Flats Built before 2006

10 Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo asked the Minister for National Development since HDB has applied the Universal Design (UD) concept for flats built from 2006 to make them functional, accessible and safe (a) whether it is feasible to incorporate the UD concept for flats built before 2006 to better support seniors and those with mobility challenges living in these older flats; and (b) if so, whether there are plans to do so.

The Minister of State for National Development (Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim) (for the Minister of National Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, universal design (UD) and barrier-free design principles have been incorporated into all new HDB developments since 2006. For older blocks, UD and barrier-free design features based on the prevailing Code of Accessibility in the Built Environment are incorporated, where feasible, when the blocks undergo upgrading. We have also introduced the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) to provide direct lift access to HDB residents by adding new lifts and lift shafts to eligible blocks, where feasible.

At the precinct level, the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) provides and upgrades features catered to seniors and those with mobility challenges, including ramps, resting points, elderly fitness corners in three-generation playgrounds, as well as wheelchair and elderly-friendly planters in community gardens.

To enhance the safety and mobility of seniors in their homes, residents can also choose to install grab bars in their bathrooms or toilets, as well as ramps within their flats and at the main entrance, under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme. HDB will continue to anticipate future needs and develop initiatives to create an environment that is user-friendly to all, including seniors and those with mobility challenges.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Ms Jessica Tan.

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast): I thank the Minister of State for his answers. I do have two supplementary questions. One is with regard to the design and accessibility outside of the flats, especially the older flats. There has been quite a bit of improvements with NRP and the various upgrading, but in terms of some of the older blocks, especially for example, those in Simei, where there is a level issue in the void decks because of the scupper drains. They do serve a purpose, but going forward, and with the advance in design and all that, is HDB looking at how to address the unevenness caused by the scupper drains, because the pathways are quite narrow for blocks of flats that were built during this time.

My second supplementary question is within the flats themselves. Yes, the EASE programme has served the needs of our residents, in terms of helping with mobility and with the grab bars and the ramps, but is HDB looking at enhancing the EASE programme with regard to ramps or any other features? Because with the ageing population and those with mobility struggles, I think there is more that can be done around EASE and also, with regards to the width of the doorway entrances of flats. Because I visited many of my residents and I have noticed that the doorways are really quite narrow. Even if you have EASE and the right ramps, if the wheelchairs cannot go into the toilets or the bedrooms with ease, then it still does not serve the purpose. So, I hope HDB will look at this.

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary questions. For the first supplementary question, I take note of her feedback and we will take it back to the Ministry.

In regard to the second question, yes, the EASE programme is popular. In fact, we are currently reviewing the EASE programme to explore the provision of additional items to further enhance the safety and mobility of our seniors within their flats, taking into consideration the changing demographic profile of the ageing population, as well as anticipating future needs.