Managing Construction of Backlog of BTO Flats Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic Measures

Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for National Development (a) how is the HDB managing the construction backlog of BTO flats that have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and (b) whether measures are in place to help those individuals and families who were expecting their new flats but are now adversely impacted because their flats have been delayed.

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many HDB BTO projects have been delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis; (b) how many people have been affected by these delays such as those unable to find housing or having to pay unsustainable rental fees for longer than expected; and (c) what forms of support can the Government provide for these affected persons.

Construction at all 89 ongoing HDB BTO projects has resumed following the Circuit Breaker period last year. However, project timelines have been affected due to the Circuit Breaker period, strict safe management measures put in place for work at construction sites to resume, and global supply chain disruptions and manpower shortages within the construction industry.

About 85% of these ongoing BTO projects have been delayed by about six to nine months beyond the Estimated Completion Dates (ECDs) originally indicated to buyers during project launches. The extent of the delay varies by BTO project, and depends on site-specific factors such as manpower availability, the contractor’s performance and materials supply.

HDB is closely monitoring the construction progress of all BTO projects and will work with contractors to meet the revised completion dates. HDB is also working with various agencies on mitigating measures to reduce the length of delays. This includes getting exemptions to allow less noisy construction activities to be carried out on Sundays and Public Holidays where possible.

HDB is progressively updating affected flat buyers on the revised completion dates through letters and the My HDBPage as construction progresses. Those unable to find alternative housing arrangements in the interim with family members, relatives or on the open market may contact HDB for assistance. As at end February 2021, HDB has updated about 43,000 affected households on the delay, of which around 240 households were assisted with Interim Rental Housing (IRH) flats.