HOUSING BOARD FLATS USE OF VOID DECKS

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

The following Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3 stood in the name of Haji Sha'ari Bin Tadin -

1. To ask the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ask the Housing and Development Board to consider reducing by half the present high rental for the use of void decks charged to residents of purchased blocks and exempting Residents' Block Committees from payment of the rental when decks are used for residents' functions.

Mr Speaker: Haji Sha'ari.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Question No. 1, Sir.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the present rental of $50 per day for the use of void decks is applicable to all residents in the housing estates and not just to those in purchased blocks.

This rental is levied by the Board to cover the costs of three cleaners, a supervising mandore to clean up the space after its use, inspectors to check the condition of the space before and after its use, and the need for periodic repairs and colour washings of the areas as a result of continuous intensive use of the space. It is also to cover the electricity supply and, in the case of newer blocks. water supply from the standpipes.

The rental of $50 is reasonable as compared to the rentals charged by other organisations like St. John's Ambulance. People's Association and Fraser and Neave for the use of social function halls which normally range between $100 and $160 per day, between stipulated hours for each occasion

For these reasons, it is not recommended that the present rental of $50 for the use of void decks be reduced.

The rate must also be applied uniformly to residents as well as non-governmental associations including the Residents' Block Committees, as any departure from this practice would give rise to complaints of unequal treatment and favouritism