Debated in Parliament on 7 Oct 2014.
Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development (a) if he will provide an update on the new technology and solutions to provide direct lift access to flats not eligible for the lift upgrading programme (LUP); and (b) whether there will be an LUP exercise specifically to provide direct lift access for these 200 flats.
To help more blocks qualify for the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP), HDB is currently piloting two new lift solutions, the Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) and Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE), at two non-residential sites. One of them is a Multi-Storey Car Park and the other is a commercial block. The lifts are currently being constructed. Construction will complete by the end of this year.
Upon completion, HDB will test the lift solutions, to ensure that they are safe and technically reliable. HDB will also get feedback from users, particularly the elderly and the disabled and further improve the design, before HDB pilots them at suitable residential blocks. If the pilot at the residential blocks is successful and the lifts are well-received, HDB can then offer the solution to more low-rise blocks which are presently not eligible for the LUP.
Notwithstanding this, there will likely still be blocks which are unsuitable for the new lift solutions and cannot enjoy the direct lift access with current technology. HDB will continue to explore other measures to improve direct lift access for residents in these blocks. Meanwhile, those who require direct lift access due to their medical conditions can approach HDB for assistance.
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