Barrier-free Accessibility Programme

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development if he can provide an update on the implementation of the barrier-free accessibility programme in (a) public housing estates and (b) other non-public housing and common public areas.

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We have made good progress in making Singapore barrier-free.

Within HDB estates, basic barrier-free accessibility is now available in all HDB estates. The outdoor upgrading works included retrofitting existing estates with barrier-free features, such as ramps, railings and levelling of steps, for enhanced accessibility. A total of 7,791 HDB blocks benefited from our Barrier-Free Accessibility (BFA) programme which was finally completed this year.

Going forward, the Town Councils may continue to incorporate more BFA features if they wish to do so. For example, through the on-going Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) and improvement works by the Town Councils, more ramps can be provided, in tandem with new amenities and facilities.

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As for new HDB estates, they will all be built with BFA features. They form part of the Universal Design which BCA mandates for all new buildings, both in the public and the private sectors. Universal Design will help make Singapore liveable for all ages, including those with physical disabilities.

The BCA Code on Accessibility specifies the minimum standards for barrier-free provision in buildings, as well as outside buildings. This includes public walkways and parks, and ensures better interconnectivity between buildings and amenities, such as MRT stations, bus-stops and taxi-stands.

To date, close to 100% of public sector infrastructure which are highly frequented by the general public, such as hospitals, polyclinics, markets and hawker centres, have achieved at least the basic level of barrier-free accessibility. These include ramps to the entrance of the facility, wheelchair accessible lifts and toilets at the ground level.

Private sector building owners can tap on BCA's $40 million Accessibility Fund to upgrade their buildings with accessibility features. A total of 110 building projects have successfully applied for this fund. This has led to key areas in Singapore, such as Orchard Road, achieving barrier-free accessibility.

BCA will continue to work with building owners and other Government agencies to improve the accessibility of our built environment.

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