BOON LAY HOUSING ESTATE (Improvements)

Mr Goh Chee Wee asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the assurance given that improvements will be carried out to the Jurong Town Corporation Estates which have been taken over by the Housing and Development Board, (a) if the HDB has finalized plans to replace all the unserviceable lifts in Boon Lay Housing Estate; and (b) what other improvements have been made to this Estate.

Mr Lee Yock Suan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, since the taking over of JTC housing estates in May 1982, extensive repair and improvement works have been carried out on the lifts in these estates, including Boon Lay. The performance of lifts has improved from an average of 2.1 breakdowns per lift per month in May 1982 to 1.8 in July 1982. When all repair and improvement works have been completed, the number of breakdowns is expected to be further reduced. If the performance of lifts continues to be unsatisfactory despite these repairs, they will be replaced.

The HDB has also been carrying out a series of improvement schemes to upgrade the condition of JTC housing estates to equal that of other HDB estates. In Boon Lay Estate, the performance of cleaning contractors has been improved through the implementation of HDB's work specifications and by encouraging these contractors to mechanize cleaning operations. Repairs have also been carried out, for example, the replacement of broken rubbish chute doors; the repair of all broken drains, pavements and floors; the over-hauling of all water pumps; and the repainting of dirty lift landing doors and staircase walls. The condition of the open areas in Boon Lay Estate has also been improved by the provision of additional foot-paths and drain crossings, pruning of overgrown trees and the returfing and replanting of landscaped sites. Round-the-clock lift rescue services and repairs to essential services have also been provided by HDB's Essential Maintenance Services Centre.

In addition, the HDB has drawn up plans for long-term improvements to all former JTC housing estates including Boon Lay. These improvements include the replacement of secondary roofing, the resurfacing of car parks, the enlargement of refuse bin centres to accommodate all refuse containers awaiting collection, and the provision of additional lifts.

I have with me some photographs showing the marked difference between these facilities before and after repair, if Members would like to see them.