Easing Qualifying Criteria for Neighbourhood Renewal Programme

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider revising the criteria for Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) to allow blocks built after 1989 to be eligible for NRP.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Khaw Boon Wan): Madam, the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) was introduced in 2007 – that was seven years ago – to enhance selected HDB precincts at the block and the neighbourhood level, for the benefit of the residents. These include physical improvements, such as drop-off porches and communal facilities like precinct pavilions. As older towns have a greater need for such upgrading, we give priority to those built before December 1989. Those which have already undergone the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP) or IUP Plus are also excluded from the NRP.

Based on this set of criteria, 187,000 flats are eligible for NRP. Of these, 100 NRP projects have been selected so far. When completed, these projects will benefit residents in 140,000 flats, or 75% of the eligible flats. So, we are at the third-quarter mark.

Our residents have responded to NRP positively. Many participated actively in the consultation process, giving us useful ideas and suggestions on the improvements that can be made to their neighbourhood through the upgrading programme. We are very encouraged by their strong support.

Now that we have crossed the three-quarter mark, it is timely to review the selection criteria. We understand that residents in blocks built just after 1989 may feel that their blocks are also ageing but they have just missed out on NRP and they wish that NRP can also be extended to them. I think this is understandable.

So, we will review the selection criteria and see how the NRP can be extended also to blocks built in the early 1990s. If and when we do make such an extension, we will give priority to towns which have not benefited from MUP or IUP, like the one in the Member's constituency.

Mr Zainal Sapari (Pasir Ris-Punggol): I thank the Minister for the good news. Like the Minister just mentioned, given rising expectations from the residents, especially when they see the facilities in newer HDB development, could the Minister possibly share a tentative timeframe for this review process?

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Madam, we are reviewing. The Member knows I am a fast worker. [ Laughter ].

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade): Madam, I would like to ask the Minister, since he is reviewing the NRP programme, can he also review the cost cap for each precinct? With the rising cost of construction and building today, we have had occasions when the NRP actually has to be re-tendered because of bursting the budget.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: That is a sensible suggestion.