HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Computerization)

Dr Chau Sik Ting asked the Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board has commenced its computerization programme, and, if so, what are its priority areas to improve efficiency through computerization, particularly in view of its shortage of manpower and the fact that it has the greatest degree of exposure to the public.

The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Lee Yock Suan) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister. The HDB embarked on its computerization programme in the early 1970s. At that time computerization focussed on financial operations because of the big volume of accounts involved. The main areas of application included:

(a) accounting system for rental and purchase instalment payments of HDB flats;

(b) direct transfer of CPF monthly instalments and other payments from CPF Board to HDB for purchase of HDB flats;

(c) direct payment of instalments, rent and service charges through the GIRO system operated by POSB and private banks;

(d) monthly and daily-rated employee payroll; and

(e) office inventory control.

Computerisation has enabled the HDB to provide better and faster services.

In the late 1970s, computerization was extended to cover other applications, such as data processing and statistical analysis of research studies involving large volumes of data for administration and planning purposes, and engineering and surveying projects.

HDB recently purchased a special computer for drafting engineering and architectural drawings. This will relieve the shortage of professional and technical manpower by improving staff productivity.

HDB plans to acquire a more advanced computer to provide on-line services in areas such as payment, enquiry, application and allocation of premises. It will also study ways to maximize usage of computers to obtain better building design, control and management.