LIFT UPGRADING PROGRAMME (Extension to low-rise walkup HDB apartments)

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LIFT UPGRADING PROGRAMME:

(Extension to low-rise walkup HDB apartments): 11.

Dr Warren Lee asked the Minister for National Development if he will consider extending the lift upgrading programme to provide more lifts for low-rise walkup HDB apartments at every level and to preserve a ratio of one lift to 30 or more dwelling units by the use of innovative solutions such as having common corridors linking two facing blocks. ****

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, the Prime Minister has announced that to meet the needs of our aging population, we will need to speed up lift upgrading, and we will try to complete the programme in 10 years for all eligible blocks, budget permitting.

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Lift upgrading is an expensive programme which involves major structural works to a HDB block. The Government has to ensure that the resources for lift upgrading are used prudently and effectively and therefore have to prioritise the lift upgrading programme accordingly. We will continue to review the programme including exploring the use of innovative solutions to increase its cost effectiveness.

The provision of lift upgrading for low-rise blocks is something that the Ministry of National Development is currently looking into and we will announce more details on how lift upgrading programme will be speeded up and how blocks will be prioritised for the programme during the Committee of Supply debate.