HDB HOUSING ESTATES (Rusty water problem)

Mr Chew Heng Ching asked the Minister for National Development what progress the Housing and Development Board has made in drawing up the programme to combat the rusty water problem in existing HDB housing estates and when this programme will be made known to the public.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Sir, the HDB has finalized the programme to replace all external galvanized iron distribution pipes in residential blocks built before 1982. Non-corrodible pipes have been used in apartment blocks built since 1982. The replacement programme, which affects 3,200 blocks and is estimated to cost $51.7 million, will be completed by December 1988. So far, nine contracts covering 829 blocks have been called and replacement works in 240 blocks have been completed.

Details of the replacement programme for the remaining 2,371 blocks will be announced by the HDB before the end of August 1985.