Debated in Parliament on 27 Jul 2021.
Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the current average waiting time to complete Goodwill Repair Assistance cases; (b) what factors affect the waiting time; and (c) how can the process be expedited.
Flat owners are responsible for maintaining the interior of their flats. This includes repairs to ceiling leaks and spalling concrete that may occur due to wear and tear over time. Nevertheless, HDB offers assistance for HDB residents to address these issues under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme. Under the scheme, HDB will arrange for the repairs and co-pay 50% of the repair cost. The remaining 50% will be borne by the affected resident for cases of spalling concrete and shared between the upper and lower floor residents for ceiling leak repair.
With the current industry-wide shortage of construction workers arising from the COVID-19 situation, there has been delays to HDB’s upgrading and repair works, including those under the GRA scheme. The current average waiting time to complete each case under the GRA scheme is between four and six months.
We understand that residents will be disappointed with the longer waiting time. HDB is doing its best to continue with the necessary works under prevailing safe management measures (SMM) guidelines and will prioritise urgent or critical works, and assist residents wherever possible.
Residents who wish to have the repair works carried out earlier can consider engaging their own contractor to carry out the repairs. HDB can provide flat owners with a list of repair contractors whom they can then engage on a private basis. Residents who need financial assistance with the cost of repairs can seek assistance from grassroots organisations and Community Development Councils (CDCs). HDB will assist such residents by referring them to these community organisations.
PAPERCUTS