Estimated Maintenance Costs of Features and Landscaping During Design of Common Property in BTO Estates

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB will work out the estimated maintenance costs of the features and landscaping during the design of common property in BTO estates to ensure that it is within the average maintenance costs undertaken by Town Councils; (b) whether there is any consultation with the Town Councils for a better estimation of maintenance costs; and (c) whether these estimations may be published.

The designs and specifications for HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) projects, including the features and landscaping in common areas, do factor in considerations on sustainability and maintainability. For instance, for features in common areas, such as furniture and murals in community living rooms, HDB assesses the durability, ease of maintenance and cost of replacement when developing designs. As for landscaping, HDB considers the ease and frequency of maintenance and replacement when determining the planting design and choice of plant species. Irrigation systems are also provided for skyrise greenery to minimise downstream manpower costs and planting replacement costs.

Besides maintenance and cost considerations, HDB also takes into account the environmental and social benefits of the features and landscaping provided, to enhance the quality of living environment for residents. For example, in designing the landscaping in new HDB estates, HDB adopts biophilic design principles through incorporating natural elements, such as flora and fauna, as well as human interaction patterns, in its design to promote a greater sense of place and enhanced quality of life for residents. Similarly, roof gardens above Multi-Storey Car Parks (MSCPs) are designed not just for aesthetic purposes, but as community spaces for residents to enjoy and to serve important environmental functions, such as reducing stormwater runoff from concrete roofs and reducing the urban heat island effort for a more comfortable living environment.

HDB consults Town Councils (TCs) on the choice of plant species, irrigation systems and any special features in new developments at multiple junctures, for instance, before calling for tender, commencing construction and/or after project launch. Hence, there are opportunities for TCs to surface potential maintenance issues upstream, so that they can be addressed at the design or construction stage. If TCs have further comments, HDB will review the design and make reasonable adjustments before handing over completed projects to the TCs. Upon project completion, HDB will also conduct site walks with TCs and, for developments with special features, brief TCs on how to maintain such features.

As TCs manage and maintain the common property in HDB estates, they would have their own estimates for the maintenance cost for typical common property items. HDB's estimates may not be reflective of the eventual costs borne by TCs as TCs might enjoy economies of scale as their maintenance contracts are typically grouped together in larger zones. To ensure that maintenance costs remain reasonable, HDB regularly reviews the design and provision of features and landscaping when new technology to aid maintenance becomes available and in response to Town Councils' feedback.