HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Retrofitting exercise for better design clothes drying system)

Column No : 1247

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS:

(Retrofitting exercise for better design clothes drying system): 3.

Mr Zainudin Nordin asked the Minister for National Development with the existence of newer and better design clothes drying racks fitted to the new and upgraded HDB flats, will HDB consider carrying out a one-time retrofitting exercise for flats fitted with the older design drying racks.

The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng) (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, the pipe socket clothes drying system has been in use in HDB flats since the 1960s. The pipe sockets are used to hold bamboo poles for hanging of clothes outside the kitchen area.

With changes in flat design, HDB introduced the recessed clothes drying system in 1995. Under this system, both ends of the bamboo poles are supported by clothes drying racks installed at the service balcony/kitchen on one side, and the concrete ledge outside the bedroom on the other side. As the poles are supported at both ends, they are more stable and make for easier hanging of clothes for residents.

Both types of clothes drying systems are safe so long as residents are careful when hanging out their clothes. It is therefore not necessary for HDB to carry out a one-time retrofitting exercise for all the flats fitted with the pipe socket clothes drying system. However, as and when the flats undergo upgrading, the recessed clothes drying system can be provided as long as the flat configuration allows for it.

HDB is always looking for more innovative systems to serve residents better. HDB has piloted a new parallel clothes drying rack system in new flats. If successful, HDB will install the system in all its new flats.

Mr Zainudin Nordin (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Sir, we are aware that we have a greying population and I think this problem will become more acute as time goes by. May I know what kind of timeframe the Ministry is looking at to make improvements to the existing old system?

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng: Sir, the pilot project is currently implemented in two areas in Queenstown and Toa Payoh. Once we have gotten the feedback from the residents and have reviewed the implementation; if it is successful and accepted, going forward, we will start to use it for all new flats.

Mdm Cynthia Phua: Sir, we are talking about old flats and not new flats which will be taken care of. But we are urging the Minister to look at the older flats because these are where our older residents are living. This item is included in the Main Upgrading Programme but it is not included in the Interim Upgrading Programme or the Lift Upgrading Programme. Could the Minister consider, due to our aging population, installing this item under these two programmes?

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng: Sir, the Lift Upgrading Programme is purely for the purpose of upgrading lifts to serve all floors. The Interim Upgrading Programme generally looks at the common areas in the precinct. Therefore, the MUP is the only programme right now that includes the provision of new clothes drying system.

I recognise the fact that our population is aging and there are more elderly people in our midst and especially when HDB builds high-rise buildings, the existing clothes drying system may not be ideal. But it is safe, if used properly and the cost involved is also not trivial. Therefore, I think it is prudent for us to adopt new systems as material science improves and new designs come up, and we will do so progressively.

Mdm Cynthia Phua: Sir, I would like to urge the Minister to reconsider this matter. Because these clothes drying racks occupy part of the tenant's space. It is considered as common property. For the Interim Upgrading Programme, it involves the upgrading of the common environment. Would the Minister consider including this item into the interim upgrading so that our existing flat owners do not have to wait so long for improvements?

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng: Sir, normally, a working committee will be set up for the Interim Upgrading Programme or the Main Upgrading Programme. The working committees, at ground level, would make such decisions and trade-offs as to what works they would like to undertake. I think we will have no objections if the working committee feels that this is an area of work which they would like to undertake in lieu of other works which the budget would allow.

Mr Wee Siew Kim (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, while we are on the subject of bamboos, can I find out whether there are any safety elements in implementing the new system rather than just focus on cost?

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng: Sir, when we introduced the new system in Queenstown and Toa Payoh, these are posts that are affixed on both ends and parallel to the ledge. The disadvantage is that you will have to hang your clothes a piece at a time rather than to bring out the entire bamboo pole of clothes at one go. However, it avoids the need to buy bamboo poles. So it is a safer system, and safety is indeed a primary consideration.

Mr Speaker: Mdm Phua, one last question on bamboos.

Mdm Cynthia Phua: Sir, I want to urge the Minister to consider the matter again because under the Interim Upgrading Programme, this item is not within the guidelines. If the Minister would say yes, it would be included in the guidelines, then I am very happy.

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng: I think we can consider it.

Mr Speaker;: Mr Zainudin, your next Question, please.