Debated in Parliament on 4 Oct 2021.
Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB has the organic expertise and capabilities to identify root causes of persistent water seepage and leakage situations at older HDB flats and to provide holistic and longer-term solutions; and (b) whether HDB and BCA can work in concert with the building maintenance contractors to strengthen industry capabilities and improve overall cost efficiencies and productivity in repairing seepages and leakages at older HDB flats.
Water may penetrate through joints or cracks in external walls or roofs due to natural deterioration, and wear and tear. The external walls and roofs of HDB blocks are common property managed by the Town Councils. Town Councils are advised to keep them in good condition by carrying out regular maintenance and repairs. HDB can provide technical advice to Town Councils on the root causes of leaks and appropriate repair methods, which could vary from case to case. To enhance Town Councils’ technical competence and to guide Town Councils in maintenance-related works, HDB also provides training to Town Councils on a series of topics, including repair of external wall seepage. Town Council contractors can also attend training courses on waterproofing offered by BCA Approved Training and Testing Centres. The list of courses is available on BCA’s website.
Similarly, ceiling leaks that occur in HDB flats generally arise due to wear and tear of the waterproofing membrane over time. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs is shared jointly between the upper and lower-floor flat owners. HDB provides assistance to residents via the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) Scheme, where HDB co-pays 50% of the repair cost, with the remaining 50% co-shared equally between the upper and lower-floor flat owners. For complex and recurring issues which contractors are unable to rectify, HDB will assist in the investigations and provide advice where required.
HDB has also worked with contractors to improve on current repair methods for ceiling leaks, and has identified two new repair methods – nanotechnology waterproofing system and overlaying waterproofing membrane system. These technologies provide alternative repair options for residents who do not wish to hack their toilet tiles or who prefer to keep the existing finishes in their toilets. The nanotechnology waterproofing system is currently offered under the GRA Scheme, and HDB is reviewing the overlaying waterproofing membrane system with contractors.
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