Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP)

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development in view of the Government's commitment to complete the Lift Upgrading Programme by 2014, what are the plans for HDB flats that have been deemed unsuitable for such upgrading on the grounds of economic and/or technical viability.

Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the Ministry's plans to assist housing units which have no access to lifts on the same floor in HDB blocks that do not qualify for the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP); (b) how many such blocks and units are not covered under the existing LUP scheme; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider new schemes to cater to such blocks beyond 2014.

Page: 614

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) is a massive programme costing $5.5 billion. To date, about 5,000 blocks (or 99 per cent of the eligible blocks) have been offered the LUP.

HDB tries its best to extend the LUP to as many blocks as possible. However, despite its best efforts, there will still be some blocks for which the LUP could not be offered due to the high costs involved. Through the use of new technology and innovative solutions, HDB has reduced the number of such ineligible blocks from 1,000 as initially estimated, to about 200 blocks at present.

For such blocks, we recognise that there may be residents who are elderly and physically challenged and require direct lift access. We are still studying how we can help this group of residents. We will announce our plans when they are ready.