Planning of Childcare Places in New HDB Estates

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry determines the number of childcare places needed while building new HDB precincts, and if so, how does the Ministry arrive at the size and number of the childcare centres for each new BTO project; and (b) whether the current planning parameters are sufficient.

The Minister of State for National Development (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) (for the Minister for National Development): Madam, social communal facilities, such as childcare and eldercare centres in HDB precincts are planned for by the respective supervising agencies. Through upfront planning and close interagency coordination, HDB works with the various agencies to set aside space for these facilities, and to construct them in tandem with new public housing developments.

The number and size of childcare centres in each BTO project are determined by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), the supervising agency for childcare centres. They plan for the childcare centres based on the projected demand for childcare services in that particular area. ECDA regularly reviews the planning parameters to take into consideration changing demand for childcare services.

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon): Thank you, Mdm Speaker. I am quite surprised to hear that it is determined by ECDA. From my various meetings with ECDA, they told me that it is determined by HDB and that is why I filed this question.

Based on the experience in Nee Soon South, so far we have six new BTOs. For every new BTO, we have a long queue for childcare centres and that is why I think the planning parameter, the number of childcare centres allowed for the places are insufficient. And I hope that whichever agencies that plan for childcare centres can review their planning parameters, so that the new BTO residents will not suffer.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Madam, we noted Er Dr Lee Bee Wah's concern for her residents in the new BTO flats. She is correct that there are BTOs in Nee Soon South. To date, I have checked that there are already 12 childcare centres in Nee Soon South Division. There are three BTO flat precincts that are already included with childcare centres. Three childcare centres are being constructed in three new BTO precincts which will be ready by the third and fourth quarters of 2015. There are six new BTOs sites in Nee Soon South, and each BTO site will have childcare centres provided. HDB will continue to work with ECDA to anticipate the demand. HDB will try its best to try to accommodate the needs of the residents in that area, following ECDA's assessment of the projected demand for the childcare places.

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah: Minister of State, for your information, every new BTO of about 1,000 units, the childcare placing is about hundred over places and from the past experience, this is grossly insufficient. So, I would like Minister of State to help to work with ECDA, to change the planning parameter to allow for more childcare centres.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Madam, we will work with ECDA. ECDA is a supervising agency. As mentioned, HDB will try its best to accommodate requests from the supervising agency. HDB is not in a position to determine the actual number of places required, but if so requested by supervising agencies, like ECDA, and even MSF with regards to elderly facilities, HDB will try its best to provide those spaces available.

Mr Baey Yam Keng: I would like to ask the Minister of State also whether HDB could work with ECDA, for those in-fill BTO projects to also consider demand from the existing neighbourhood because the existing facilities may not be suitable or conducive to build childcare or whatever community use purposes and therefore the new BTO precinct could possibly make up and compensate for the gap in the neighbourhood.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Madam, we certainly recognise the need for childcare centres. ECDA and MSF are working very hard to try to meet those demands and the needs of childcare places. We will continue to work with ECDA to look at the request made where there are already existing demands and to see whether existing BTOs can increase the supply to meet the existing demands of residents in the neighbourhood.