HDB UPGRADING SCHEME (Priority in implementation)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for National Development whether priority will be given to implement the upgrading scheme in Housing and Development Board estates which are 20 years old and above.

The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Lim Hng Kiang) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, priority is given to upgrading flats in estates which are 20 years and older. All the flats in the first batch of six precincts identified for the steady state phase of the Upgrading Programme are older than 20 years.

The second batch of six precincts to be upgraded under the steady state phase will be announced soon. Similar to the first batch, the second batch of precincts is likely to comprise primarily flats that are older than 20 years of age.

While age of the flats is an important consideration, other factors such as the condition of the surrounding environment, and the need to maintain a geographical spread of precincts to be upgraded, are also taken into consideration in scheduling precincts for upgrading. Given the scale of the Upgrading Programme, and the limited capacity of the construction industry, it is simply not possible to upgrade all the flats in the older estates at one go. The Upgrading Programme has to be phased out over a number of years so as not to overstrain the construction industry.

Dr S. Vasoo (Tanjong Pagar GRC): Sir, are there any specific plans in the next one to two years to upgrade the older flats in Tanjong Pagar GRC?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Sir, we will announce the selection of the next six precincts in due course.