CRASH OF CEILING OF FLAT IN HOUGANG ESTATE (Investigations)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board has completed its inquiry into the cause of the crashing down of part of the ceiling of a flat in the Hougang Estate on 11th January, 1984, and what measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of such mishap.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the HDB has completed its investigation into why part of the ceiling of a flat in Hougang Estate dropped off.

The piece of concrete that fell off the ceiling was used to cover up an unwanted service pipe opening. This was executed without the knowledge of the Board's engineer. The building contractor who patched up the opening did not bond the surfaces of the old and new concrete properly. Reinforcement bars were also not provided to take the floor load. As a result, when renovation work was carried out on the floor above, the hacking and the vibration caused the patched-up portion to drop off.

The ceiling has since been properly repaired. The HDB has conducted a thorough check of the nine blocks of buildings built under the same contract. 279 units were found to have similar patched-up unwanted service pipe openings. These are being repatched.

All HDB building contractors and HDB supervisory staff have been given specific instructions on the proper detailing and construction of service pipe openings and the method of patching up unwanted holes.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister give an assurance that these flats which have got some defects in construction are safe?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, yes, I can give the assurance that the buildings are safe.