New Solutions Deployed to Provide Same-floor Lift Access in HDB Blocks

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) what new technical or engineering solutions have been successfully deployed in the past three years to provide same-floor lift access for HDB blocks previously deemed unfeasible for the Lift Upgrading Programme; and (b) whether these methods are suitable and cost-effective for use at Blocks 830 to 832 and 835 Hougang Central.

The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) was launched in 2001 to provide direct lift access to flats and enhance convenience for residents. At that time, more than 1,000 out of 5,300 Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks without lift access were initially assessed to be unfeasible for LUP due to cost or site constraints.

HDB continually monitors new technical and engineering solutions that reduce cost of LUP or overcome site constraints. Where new technologies are found viable, HDB studies each location and implements them at suitable sites. Through such efforts, the vast majority of the 5,300 blocks have benefited from LUP, with about 100 blocks remaining due to high costs or site constraints. These include the four blocks at Hougang Central.

HDB will continue to monitor new technological advancements that could help the remaining blocks without direct lift access. Residents who are in urgent need of direct lift access due to medical conditions or mobility reasons can apply for the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) of up to $80,000 to help them buy another flat with direct lift access. These residents can approach HDB for assistance on their LHG application.