OLD HDB FLATS (Basis for rebuilding and demolition)

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Chng Hee Kok -

Mr Chng Hee Kok: To ask the Minister for National Development if he will explain the basis on which certain old Housing and Development Board flats are considered suitable for rebuilding while others are being demolished.

Dr S. Vasoo (Tiong Bahru GRC): Question No. 2, Sir.

Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the issue of whether old HDB flats should be rebuilt or demolished concerns primarily 1-room and 2-room rental blocks.

In the past, some 1- and 2-room rental flats were converted if they met certain criteria such as structural soundness and good location.

Buyers now expect much higher housing standards. It is difficult to convert rental flats to meet new standards. Other than the current programme to convert five 2-room blocks in Ang Mo Kio, very few blocks are likely to be converted in the future. Rental flats with high vacancies will be cleared and demolished for redevelopment.