Debated in Parliament on 3 Nov 2014.
Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development whether the scope of works for the Home Improvement Programme can be modified for HDB flats with pitched roofs as the top floor units of such flats have false ceilings and owners will not benefit from the repair of spalling concrete under the current programme.
Repair of spalling concrete is covered under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). However, for HDB blocks with pitched roofs, the roof ceiling for the top floor units are made of non-concrete materials. The ceiling boards in these flats form part of the roof structure which falls within the definition of "common property" under the Town Councils (TCs) Act. Whilst routine maintenance of the ceiling board rests on the flat owner, the onus to repair and replace the roof structure lies with the TC.
Residents should approach their TC for assistance if they experience damaged false ceilings due to the pitched roof.