SECURITY GATES AT HDB BLOCKS

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for National Development whether the installation of security gates at Housing and Development Board blocks like the one proposed in the Interim Upgrading Programme for 11 blocks at Bedok is desirable and should be encouraged.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, the installation of security gates is part of an Integrated Security System which was first incorporated in the pilot project at Woodlands Blocks 318 and 321. Under this system, the access points to the blocks are enclosed with grilles and metal gates. To go in and out of the block, the residents have to make use of access cards or the exit push button respectively. For the visitor, a call panel is installed at the main gate for him to call up the unit that he wants to visit. The resident, upon identifying the visitor through his audio intercom handset, can unlock the main gate at the lift lobby by depressing a button on the handset. The residents can also identify visitors or watch what is happening at the main gate through their television sets.

The Integrated Security System is a complete security system for the entire block. Besides lift crime, the system also deters crimes such as robbery and housebreaking within the block. The system therefore achieves an all-round improvement in crime prevention and enhances the sense of security of the residents.

HDB continues to monitor the pilot project at Woodlands. Most of the residents feel that this system has enhanced their security and gives them more privacy. However, it is still possible for strangers to slip into the block by following a resident or a visitor. This is where the residents must cooperate with one another. At the same time, they should not be complacent and be lulled into a false sense of security.

HDB leaves it to the Town Councils to decide whether to install the Integrated Security System in their estates. If it is an item installed under the Interim Upgrading Programme, as is done by the Bedok Town Council, then the costs will have to be met within the $6,000 budget allocated per flat and the residents do not have to pay for it.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Sir, the first supplementary question is: while it may enhance the security of the residents, will it also discourage visits by neighbours from the next block? And secondly, will it be socially desirable to fence up -- it now seems that not only private properties are fenced up but every HDB block is going to be fenced up - and will it encourage social interaction?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: The trade-off between privacy, security and free access for social interaction is best left to the residents to decide for themselves whether in their particular circumstances they want to install such a system. If they find that there are too many accesses by strangers, and it does not necessarily cut off social interaction, they can still freely come and go and visit whoever they want in the block. There is still good access through the intercom.