CONSTRUCTION OF HDB FLATS (Mechanization)

Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for National Development, apart from adopting the prefabrication method of construction, what steps have been taken by the Housing and Development Board to mechanise the construction of flats; and whether these measures will result in cost savings, expedite construction, and improve the safety of construction workers.

Mr Lee Yock Suan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, apart from the prefabrication method of construction, HDB has introduced and promoted the use of concrete batching plants and pumps since early 1980. HDB contractors are encouraged to acquire these equipment under the Board's interest-fee financing scheme. To date, 35 units of concrete batching plants and 24 units of concrete pumps have been purchased under the scheme. Concreting labour can be reduced by 20% through the use of these equipment.

The HDB started Metalform Operations since early 1975. In the last few years, metal formwork has been used extensively because of the tight labour situation. A - saving of 10-15% in skilled labour, materials and time can be achieved by metal formwork construction.

Other areas that the HDB is actively looking into include a mechanized materials handling system, the use of large panel formwork systems, such as table/tunnel form with tower cranes and large panel lightweight partitions. The cost savings derived by the use of such systems is minimal, owing to the heavy capital investment. However, savings of up to 30% in site labour can be achieved with a reduction in construction time of about 10%.

Concerning the safety of construction workers, the use of metal forms and mechanized handling systems greatly reduces the amount of debris and waste materials at the construction sites. This will minimize the hazard of tripping and falling. Cantilever platforms with guard rails will also be provided for workers who work at the sides of the buildings. Thus, the safety at the construction sites will be improved.

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi: Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Hon. Minister of State assure the House that the structural strength and quality of finish of the flats constructed by the prefabrication method will be as good as, if not better than, flats constructed by other methods?

Secondly, in view of the savings in time and operation costs of the flats constructed by the prefabrication method, will the cost of flats be lower?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, as regards the first question, the HDB is satisfied that the structural strength of the prefabricated flats will be as good as, if not better than, the conventional method. Certainly, in terms of finish,the quality will be better because the material has been prefabricated in the factory and does not require the skill of the formworker to provide the finish.

As regards costs, as I have explained, the use of the mechanized system requires a heavy capital investment which has to be depreciated. Of course, we save on time and labour. We require different kinds of labour. But on balance, I think the cost of the two types of flats will be about the same. There will not be too much savings by way of costs.