WATER BOOSTER PUMP FOR HDB ESTATES

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has developed an improved booster pump system to ensure a continuous water supply in response to actual water demand from residents, especially those living on the top few floors and, if so, whether this system will be installed in all HDB housing estates.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: The existing timer-controlled booster pumping system operates and stays activated during preset periods. HDB has developed an improved booster pumping system which will be activated whenever there is demand for water. With the improved system, HDB residents can, therefore, enjoy good water pressure throughout the day, and not during preset periods under the existing timer-controlled booster pumping system. The energy consumption for the improved system is also expected to be lower.

The improved system is installed in new HDB apartment blocks in estates such as Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang and Jurong East. They are scheduled to be completed from 1st April 1996 onwards.

As for existing HDB apartment blocks, individual Town Councils can decide whether they wish to modify their existing system when the pumps are due for cyclical replacement.