SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Mr Chin Harn Tong asked the Minister for National Development whether special facilities are developed for senior citizens in or around public housing estates.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1978, HDB embarked on a programme to provide barrier-free design in all its new developments to facilitate mobility of senior citizens and the physically disabled. The provisions have been mainly in the form of gentle ramps leading to carparks, lift lobbies, paths leading to other blocks or communal facilities. In the case of existing HDB estates, similar provisions are carried out under the 5-yearly Repairs and Redecoration Programme.

Senior Citizens's corners have also been provided in almost all HDB estates for senior citizens to gather and interact during their leisure time. In addition, standard facilities provided in HDB estates such as void decks, bird-singing corners and neighbourhood parks can also serve the same purpose.