CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENTS (Problems with developers)

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi asked the Minister for National Development how many complaints were received by his Ministry from January 1986 to the latest convenient date from subsidiary proprietors of condominium developments of problems they face with developers; and whether all these complaints had been satisfactorily resolved.

The Minister of State for National Development (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

Since January 1986, the Development and Building Control Division (DBCD) of the Public Works Department has received a total of 176 complaints from purchasers, subsidiary proprietors and Management Corporations (MC) against developers of about 40 estates. They comprise both residential and non-residential developments. The main complaints fall into three main categories:- Type of Complaints No. of Complaints Poor Maintenance 67 Defects 61 Poor Management 48 ----- 176 -----

Generally the Development and Building Control Division advises complainants on the course of action they can take directly against the developers as provided under the Land Titles (Strata) Act and the Buildings and Common Property (Maintenance and Management) Act. The D&BCD would intervene on behalf of the complainant only as a last resort or when the developer fails to fulfil his contractual responsibilities. There are, however, areas where D&BCD cannot legally intervene but will use its good office to resolve the problem.

In cases where defects are found during the time the developer is managing his estate, D&BCD would advise the complainant to take up the matter directly with the developer if it concerns areas within individual units. However, if the defect is in respect of common property, D&BCD can deal directly with the developer or with the professionals concerned.

Most of the problems within the control of D&BCD have been satisfactorily resolved.

Mr Chng Hee Kok (Radin Mas): Sir, does this level of complaints implies that the standard sale and purchase agreement accords inadequate protection to buyers? Secondly, will the Ministry seek a review of the standard sale and purchase agreement?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not think the 176 complaints can be taken as a reflection that the sale and purchase agreement is inadequate for the purpose. If there are rooms for improvement, this can certainly be looked into. Could the Member please repeat his second point?

Mr Chng Hee Kok: Will you review the sale and purchase agreement?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: I have just addressed that point.