SPALLING CONCRETE IN HDB FLATS

Column: 833

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SPALLING CONCRETE IN HDB FLATS

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(Repairs): **

31.

Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for National Development in light of the ageing of HDB flats (a) how many flats have undergone repairs for spalling concrete in wet areas over the past 12 months and what is the average cost to the lessee and the cost to HDB per lessee; (b) how many flat-owners have sought HDB’s help to repair spalling concrete in non-wet areas; (c) whether HDB will carry out a goodwill programme for all its estates to help residents repair this defect in non-wet areas and at a subsidised cost; and (d) how are new flats being protected from this defect.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Spalling concrete is caused by natural wear and tear as buildings age. Flat lessees are responsible for repairing spalling concrete as part of their effort to upkeep their homes. This is no different from private properties, where owners carry out repairs to spalling concrete at their own expense after the defects liability period, which is usually one year after completion of the development.

Nevertheless, on a goodwill basis, HDB would assist affected flat lessees by investigating each case, suggesting the appropriate remedial action and providing a list of possible contractors to engage. Over the past 12 months, HDB has assisted 2,300 lessees affected by spalling concrete in this way.

In addition, where the spalling concrete occurs in a "wet area" and resembles the effect of a ceiling leak, HDB will share half the repair cost with the affected lessee under the Goodwill Repairs Assistance, or GRA, Programme. For such cases, the lessee typically pays about $40 for his share. Among the 2,300 lessees I mentioned earlier, 1,250 fell into this category and were helped under the GRA.

HDB's sharing of the repair cost for "wet area" spalling concrete is an extension of the goodwill co-payment that is offered for ceiling leak repairs that require both the upper and lower floor neighbours to work together. We have no plans to extend the GRA to cover all types of spalling concrete cases. However, as part of upgrading under the new Home Improvement Programme, HDB will repair all forms of spalling concrete at no cost to the lessee.

HDB is continually seeking to improve the design and quality of its flats. The use of the latest HDB building methods and technology can further help to minimise and delay the onset of spalling concrete. From April 2005 onwards, HDB has introduced a 10-year warranty for sold flats against spalling concrete.