Schedule of Work Stages in Lift Upgrading Programme

Sir, the scale and complexity of each LUP project are different, thus affecting the time taken for each project. For most precincts, it typically takes about one year between announcement and polling. So, there are two parts.

From announcement to polling, typically this would take a year. During this period, a Working Committee is formed to study the design solutions, residents are consulted, and sometimes, shown samples, and the relevant tenders are then called for consultants and contractors.

From polling to completion, it generally takes another two and a half years. During this time, the works include diversion of underground services, which by themselves can take up to six months. And, then, foundation works, such as piling, construction of lift shafts, lobbies, link bridges to opening to the balcony. Finally, there will be the installation and testing of lifts to ensure performance and safety standards.

HDB tries to expedite LUP works without compromising quality and safety. Where feasible, LUP works are phased to minimise inconveniences to residents. On the Member's question on trying to help blocks that are not selected for LUP, in my reply to Mr Zainuddin Nordin earlier, I have explained that we will try and continue to look for technical solutions. And for people with mobility and health problems, we will look into the cases, on a case-by-case basis.

I thank the Senior Minister of State for the answer. I just have one question. Based on the timeframe that has been stated – one year from announcement to polling and then two and a half years from polling to construction – there are a couple of batches in Hougang that are way overdue. Some batches have started – Batch 8, Batch 10 – but Batch 9, which is the 700 cluster, which was announced in October 2010, I would like to find out whether the Ministry would still be able to complete their LUP on time by 2014?

Our plan is to complete by 2014, so I think we can look at the Member's specific cases to see what is being held up. Suffice to say that most precincts will find the consultation period useful. Because after the announcement, the consultants would be engaged to draw up the designs and facade and solutions. Using that, they will go and consult the residents and residents will give feedback. Sometimes, certain modifications are required or deemed beneficial and the consultants will take in these and then they would proceed to the next stage to conduct the formal polling. Typically, the first period of one year for consultation is quite useful, but we will look into the Member's request specifically.

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Equally, in Sunset Way, there are two blocks that have been announced. We are still waiting for construction. No doubt they were held back because residents decided to take a vote at a later date. Will MND also try to expedite their construction of LUP?

I hear you. Thank you.

Thank you, Sir. I would like to ask Senior Minister of State: for the non-benefiting units, while I am happy to learn that the authority is willing to consider perhaps a relocation for them to enjoy a flat with lift access, would the Ministry be able to consider offering a package to facilitate the relocation, to be of a value similar to the subsidy cap that is offered to each benefiting unit, which I believe is about $30,000?

Our focus right now is to complete the rest of the eligible units by 2014. So, for the very few cases, as the Member mentioned, that are affected by severe mobility and handicap, we will look into them. But what formula to use, what is the benchmark and how we do it, we are still looking at the options. We thank the Member. We appreciate his suggestion.

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