Repairs for Spalling Concrete, Ceiling and Sewage Pipe Leaks beyond Defects Liability Period

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development in the past three years, what is the number of cases that HDB has received seeking repair assistance for spalling concrete, ceiling and sewage pipe leaks in a period of a year beyond the defects liability period under the Home Improvement Programme.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Mr Desmond Lee) (for the Minister for National Development):Madam, the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) helps flat owners address common maintenance issues in ageing flats, such as spalling concrete and ceiling leak.

However, occasionally, such problems could still recur after the HIP improvement works are done. For defects reported within the one-year Defects Liability Period (DLP) upon completion of the HIP works, HDB's contractors will carry out the necessary rectification.

For cases reported after DLP, HDB will look into the nature and cause of the feedback, and advise flat owners on the follow-up action accordingly. Over the past three years, the number of reported cases of defects due to workmanship of HIP works after the one-year DLP is small − about one to two cases per 10,000 units per year for spalling concrete, ceiling and sewage pipe leaks.

For ceiling leaks or spalling concrete cases that arise out of wear and tear, HDB may also offer assistance to flat owners to repair and co-share the cost of repairs under the Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme.

I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply and thank you, Mdm Speaker. Madam, I have attended to cases where residents had sought assistance to appeal to HDB for rectification of the mentioned problems. As mentioned by the Senior Minister of State, usually HDB would reply that they would grant the Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme.

However, most of these residents feel that the cost for such repairs should be fully borne by the HDB. To them, such problems should not surface within a short period after the DLP has expired. I just want to know whether HDB can consider absorbing fully the cost for such repairs, especially for problems that are observed to have resulted from poor workmanship or due to oversights during the pre-repair assessment.

Madam, I think the Member has asked this question recently and an answer was given. But if workmanship is the cause of a leak recurring at the area where the repair works have been carried out, then even though it is after the DLP, if it is due to workmanship, the contractor will fix it. We have said that before.