Construction of Portable Ramps at Entrances to Old HDB Flats

Debated in Parliament on 15 Aug 2016.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Mr Ang Hin Kee proposed renting portable ramps or retrofitting permanent ramps for older HDB flats with multi-step entrances, and decentralizing approval processes to local branches or CDCs.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that older HDB flats were designed with steps for privacy and security, but solutions must be customised, avoid maintenance issues, and not obstruct fire escapes.
HDB is studying tailored solutions, considering expansion through EASE or other programmes, and exploring financial assistance for low-income families.
Residents can currently approach HDB branches for approvals to install private ramps, and financial aid may be available from welfare organisations or local advisers.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Ang Hin Kee

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider (i) allowing residents living in old HDB flats with multi-step entrances the option of renting portable ramps from HDB and complementing this option with retrofitting the flats with permanent ramps and (ii) decentralising the budget and approval process to the respective HDB branch offices or Community Development Councils with inputs from grassroots leaders for such initiatives to be rolled out.

Lawrence Wong

As Mr Ang Hin Kee is aware, some older Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats built in the 1970s and 1980s were designed with multiple-stepped entrances to offer more privacy and added security for occupants of the flats. However, with an ageing population, elderly residents and wheelchair users in these units may now face difficulties negotiating the steps.

HDB has been studying this issue carefully. Any solution will likely have to be customised to the flat configuration, corridor space availability and the residents' needs, without posing maintenance issues or obstructing the fire escape route. Different solutions will likely be needed for flats with different locational conditions, and it may not be practical for HDB to stock up and rent out ramps. Nonetheless, HDB will take the Member’s suggestion into consideration in its ongoing study.

When we have developed the appropriate solutions, we could implement them as an expansion of the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) or through other programmes. HDB is exploring with other agencies/authorities the financial assistance that could be provided for low-income families who may need such ramps or platforms.

Meanwhile, residents who wish to engage a private vendor to install ramps today can approach the HDB branches. HDB is exploring how to make it easier for residents to get the necessary approvals to install the ramps. Those who need financial assistance for the ramp installation may also approach voluntary welfare organisations or their Advisers for assistance.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Mr Ang Hin Kee proposed renting portable ramps or retrofitting permanent ramps for older HDB flats with multi-step entrances, and decentralizing approval processes to local branches or CDCs.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that older HDB flats were designed with steps for privacy and security, but solutions must be customised, avoid maintenance issues, and not obstruct fire escapes.
HDB is studying tailored solutions, considering expansion through EASE or other programmes, and exploring financial assistance for low-income families.
Residents can currently approach HDB branches for approvals to install private ramps, and financial aid may be available from welfare organisations or local advisers.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Construction of Portable Ramps at Entrances to Old HDB Flats | PAPERCUTS

Construction of Portable Ramps at Entrances to Old HDB Flats

Debated in Parliament on 15 Aug 2016.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Mr Ang Hin Kee proposed renting portable ramps or retrofitting permanent ramps for older HDB flats with multi-step entrances, and decentralizing approval processes to local branches or CDCs.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that older HDB flats were designed with steps for privacy and security, but solutions must be customised, avoid maintenance issues, and not obstruct fire escapes.
HDB is studying tailored solutions, considering expansion through EASE or other programmes, and exploring financial assistance for low-income families.
Residents can currently approach HDB branches for approvals to install private ramps, and financial aid may be available from welfare organisations or local advisers.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Ang Hin Kee

Lawrence Wong

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Mr Ang Hin Kee proposed renting portable ramps or retrofitting permanent ramps for older HDB flats with multi-step entrances, and decentralizing approval processes to local branches or CDCs.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that older HDB flats were designed with steps for privacy and security, but solutions must be customised, avoid maintenance issues, and not obstruct fire escapes.
HDB is studying tailored solutions, considering expansion through EASE or other programmes, and exploring financial assistance for low-income families.
Residents can currently approach HDB branches for approvals to install private ramps, and financial aid may be available from welfare organisations or local advisers.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Construction of Portable Ramps at Entrances to Old HDB Flats

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Ang Hin Kee

Lawrence Wong

Summary

Questions Identified

Construction of Portable Ramps at Entrances to Old HDB Flats

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Ang Hin Kee

Lawrence Wong

Summary

Questions Identified