Delays in Lift Upgrading Projects

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development (a) since 2012, what is the number of lift upgrading projects that have not been completed on time; (b) what are the reasons for the delay in completion; and (c) what punitive actions have been taken against contractors who have been late in completing the works.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Of the 257 precincts with lift upgrading project (LUP) construction work in 2012, 18 precincts (7%) were completed after the Estimated Completion Date (ECD). Another 43 precincts (17%), where works are now on-going, are expected to be delayed past the ECD.

There are three main reasons for the delay. First, there were delays in the diversion of underground services such as water, electricity and telephone services. LUP works could only commence after the service providers completed these service diversions. Second, residents or the Working Committees in some precincts have requested for design changes, such as the widening of lift lobby landing and the provision or non-provision of privacy fins. These requests consequently required new consensus surveys from the residents, as well as the redesign and resubmission to the authorities. Third, poor planning or shortage of manpower by the contractor affected the progress of works.

HDB is mindful of the need to speed up the LUP works, so that residents can enjoy the benefits of direct lift access as soon as possible. Where the LUP works were delayed due to slow progress on the part of the contractor, HDB would impose liquidated damages on them.