Criteria for Selecting HDB Blocks for Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development what are the criteria for selecting HDB blocks of flats for the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Madam, the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) allows optimisation of land use and revitalises such old estates through new developments. As the name suggests, the identification of suitable precincts for SERS is on a selective basis.

First, it will depend on the availability of suitable sites for rehousing the residents together. This is important for preserving community ties, and is especially valued by our senior citizens.

Second, it will depend on the economic viability of the project. This takes into account the potential for redevelopment and land optimisation of a precinct and also the cost of acquisition. The latter includes the market compensation for the flat and reasonable expenses to cover removal, stamp and legal fees. The Government also gives generous rehousing benefits and grants which include the option of purchasing a replacement flat at a subsidised price.

Third, it will depend on the availability of financial resources to fund the SERS programme.

Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten): Thank you, Madam. May I ask the Minister two supplementary questions? I do have quite a number of flats that are more than 50 years old, so, whether the MND would consider taking a poll of residents in older flats of more than either 50 or 60 years old, to ascertain whether residents want their flats to be redeveloped on a en bloc basis; that means to take a poll of residents where they are staying in flats of more than 50 or 60 years old to see whether they want to have it redeveloped.

Second question is: would the Minister give an assurance that residents affected by SERS would definitely get priority in selecting another flat nearby their affected flats. I understand from Minister's earlier answer that the answer is "yes". I just wanted Minister to confirm.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Yes indeed, the answer is "yes". I try to give "yes" answers to most reasonable requests from Members of Parliament. As to the question "Can we carry out a poll among residents to decide whether we do a SERS or not", as I have explained, it must meet the three criteria, much of it is top down. It depends, for example, on viability. If the project is not viable, even if there is a bottom-up request for it, you cannot just finance it.