Debated in Parliament on 4 Aug 2014.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for National Development in estates, such as Chua Chu Kang Town, where lifts built between 1987 and 1997 do not have some key features that are available in newer lifts, such as vision panels and lift surveillance systems which deter crime, what are HDB's plans to upgrade and improve these lifts.
The lifts installed in Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks after 1997 come with vision panels and provision for the installation of lift surveillance systems. This includes both new lifts and replacement lifts under the HDB's Lift Upgrading Programme.
For the other HDB lifts, it will be the responsibility of the Town Councils to replace them, using their Sinking Funds, when the lifts reach the end of their lifespan. Given the normal lifespan of 28 years, some of those built around 1987 will soon be due for replacement. When they do so, I will recommend that the Town Councils should include these enhanced features in the tender specifications. Their residents can then benefit from the better features found in newer lifts.
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