Engineering Solutions to Improve Lift Access to Affected Units in Keat Hong

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for National Development given that piloted solutions like the pneumatic vacuum elevator and the vertical platform lift have been found to be unfeasible (a) whether HDB has further engineering solutions that can improve lift access to the affected units in Keat Hong; (b) what are the criteria used for lift installation under the Lift Upgrading Programme; and (c) whether the inability to provide lift access to affected HDB units can be a factor considered for Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) of these HDB blocks.

The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) was launched in 2001 to provide direct lift access to flats and enhance convenience for residents, especially the elderly and less mobile. At the start of the programme, there were more than 5,300 HDB blocks without full direct lift access.

Over the years, HDB has adopted innovative technical solutions to provide such blocks with direct lift access. Through these efforts, the vast majority of the 5,300 blocks have since benefited from the LUP. As the Government has the responsibility to ensure the prudent use of public funds, cost is a key criteria when deciding whether a block can be selected for the LUP. The other criteria is technical feasibility. Currently, there remain about 150 blocks, including those in Keat Hong, where it is still not possible to implement the LUP due to prohibitive costs or existing technical constraints.

While we will continue to explore possible ways to bring direct lift access to these blocks, we know that some residents may urgently need direct lift access due to medical or mobility issues. In March this year, we therefore introduced the Lift access Housing Grant (LHG) of up to $30,000, to help those with medical or mobility issues buy a new or resale HDB flat with direct lift access.

The Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) is implemented on a highly selective basis. The identification of suitable sites for SERS involves a careful evaluation of various factors on a site-by-site basis, such as the redevelopment potential of the site, the availability of suitable replacement sites, and the Government’s financial resources. The inability to provide direct lift access to flats is not a consideration for SERS.