Extension of Selective Lift Replacement Programme

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are any more lifts that are eligible for the Selective Lift Replacement Programme (SLRP); and (b) whether HDB has any plans to expand the scope of this programme to include lifts that prematurely become obsolete before HDB's recommended 28-year replacement and/or upgrading guidelines in the interests of passenger safety.

Mr Lawrence Wong: HDB introduced the Selective Lift Replacement Programme (SLRP) in September 2014 to help Town Councils replace about 750 old lifts that did not come with key safety and security features, such as vision panels and doors with infra-red motion sensors. Following the announcement of SLRP, all Town Councils were informed of the eligible lifts within their estate. This included 56 lifts under the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council. Beyond this list, there are no more lifts eligible for SLRP.

Town Councils have the statutory responsibility as well as the duty to residents to carry out the maintenance and cyclical replacement of lifts in HDB estates. This includes the replacement of lifts when they are due as well as regular monitoring and proper maintenance to ensure passenger safety and prevent frequent lift breakdowns.