HDB LIFTS (Breakdowns and Replacements)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the total number of lifts in the various Housing and Development Board estates; (b) how many complaints the HDB has received about lifts breaking down in each of the last five years; (c) what is the average lifespan of a lift; and (d) whether the HDB has plans to replace those lifts that break down frequently.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: (a) The total number of lifts in HDB estates as at the end of October 1982 was 5,518.

(b) The number of lift complaints (including false calls) and lift breakdown rates over the past five years are as follows:- 1978 : 97,700 complaints; 1.18 breakdowns per lift per month 1979 : 102,970 complaints; 1.04 breakdowns per lift per month 1980 : 108,259 complaints; 1.04 breakdowns per lift per month 1981 : 106,523 complaints; 0.92 breakdowns per lift per month 1982 : 81,526 complaints; (up to Oct) 0.83 breakdowns per lift per month

(c) For cost analysis purposes, the average lifespan of a lift is assumed to be 25 years. The actual lifespan may be longer if the lift is carefully maintained and regularly serviced.

It is the HDB's policy to constantly monitor and improve the performance of its lifts. If a lift has excessive breakdowns, HDB engineers will investigate and determine whether it is more economical to refurbish the lift or to replace it. In 1980 for instance, the HDB studied and recommended the conversion of 261 Hitachi AC-1 lifts to the Hitachi AC-2 type which gives smoother rides and fewer breakdowns. Since the completion of the conversion exercise in early 1981, the performance of Hitachi lifts has improved from an average of 1.15 breakdowns per lift per month in 1980 to an average of 0.67 breakdowns per lift per month in the first half of 1982.