MAIN UPGRADING PROGRAMME

Dr S Vasoo asked the Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board will include the changing of front windows in the precincts where tenders for the Main Upgrading Programme have already been awarded.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The replacement of front windows has been included in the standard package of the Revised Main Upgrading Programme from Batch 16 onwards. This is possible due to the savings that would be derived from the omission or scaling down of other works as a result of a review of the MUP.

For existing MUP precincts before Batch 16, some residents may have already changed their front windows through their own arrangements. Including the replacement of front windows now as part of the standard package for these precincts may create unhappiness among the residents.

However, MND has no objection for existing MUP precincts to include this item as part of their standard package if:

i) there is strong demand from residents for the item;

ii) substantial construction works have not yet started for the precinct; and

iii) the item can be funded within the MUP budget.

If necessary, the precinct will have to forgo other improvement items to accommodate this addition.