Debated in Parliament on 14 Jan 2019.
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can implement the Lift Upgrading Programme, Home Improvement Programme and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme for all HDB rental blocks in Boon Lay, including those designated as Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) units.
Similar to home ownership flats, rental blocks are considered for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP). There are also upgrading programmes specific to rental flats, such as the Ad-Hoc Upgrading Programme. Rental tenants benefit from all upgrading programmes free of charge.
There are five rental blocks in Boon Lay. Three of them are let under the Public Rental Scheme, and underwent improvement works in 2010, ahead of HIP for their neighbours in home ownership flats. The scope of works was as almost identical to HIP. The lifts in these three blocks have been upgraded such that at least one lift in each block serves every floor.
The other two rental blocks in Boon Lay have been let under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) since 2013. They underwent improvement works in 2013, also with a scope of works similar to HIP. The lifts there have not undergone LUP, as the blocks are designated for interim use, and PPHS tenants generally stay there for a relatively short time. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) informs prospective PPHS tenants upfront that the lifts there only stop at certain floors. HDB will study the option of upgrading the lifts in these blocks, taking into account the longer-term plans for their usage.
The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme enhances the safety and comfort of seniors living in HDB flats. Seniors under the Public Rental Scheme can benefit from EASE free of charge.
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