Addressing Concerns of High-rise Living Such As Lift Availability and Fire Safety with Increase of 60-storey HDB Blocks

Assoc Prof Terence Ho asked the Minister for National Development in light of plans to develop 60-storey HDB flats, what steps is the Government taking to address concerns about high-rise living, such as lift availability and fire safety.

Building taller is one of our key strategies to intensify land use and keep up a robust supply of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. While 60-storeys is a first for HDB, there are taller residential buildings in Singapore and overseas.

Lift service standards will be maintained at a high level for our 60-storey HDB blocks. This is through the provision of more lifts to ensure reasonable waiting times and availability of alternative lifts in case of maintenance or service disruptions. There will also be lift zoning, with multiple lifts serving different floor zones. Backup generators will ensure continuous operations during power outages.

The 60-storey HDB blocks will comply with prevailing fire safety requirements for high-rise residential buildings. For residential buildings exceeding 40 storeys, refuge floors are required at intervals not exceeding 20 storeys. Refuge floors serve as a safe temporary holding space during fire evacuation. In addition, such buildings shall include the installation of wet rising mains and having at least two fire lifts to support the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF's) operations.

Elderly and mobility-impaired residents who need to evacuate in the event of a fire can do so with the help of community support. To this end, SCDF has been helping grassroots organisations, like the People Association's community emergency and engagement committees, to plan and conduct evacuation drills and exercises.