Debated in Parliament on 5 Apr 2021.
Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many HDB flats are currently eligible for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) but have not had the HIP upgrading works commence; and (b) whether there are plans to expedite the completion of HIP upgrading works.
As at end-February 2021, HDB has selected about 375,000 flats for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) since the programme's inception in 2007. Of the 375,000 flats that have been selected for HIP, HIP works have been completed for about 218,000 flats, with HIP for the remaining flats at various stages of implementation. There are currently about 173,000 flats which are eligible for HIP but are pending selection.
Construction work at ongoing HIP projects was halted during the 2-month Circuit Breaker period last year. Work has since resumed, but the expected completion dates have generally been delayed by about 6 to 9 months, mainly due to manpower challenges faced by the construction industry as a result of COVID-19 and the need to comply with onsite Safe Management Measures.
HDB has been working with BCA and MOM to mitigate the delays and manpower challenges, and will continue to update residents on the schedule for their HIP works.
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