Debated in Parliament on 8 May 2024.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board (HDB) can expedite the conversion of existing interlocking paving blocks to concrete pavements for high traffic areas such as refuse collection points, drop-off porches, loading and unloading bays, and car park entrances, especially for areas in Keat Hong estate where there are damaged interlocking paving blocks which pose serious traffic hazard and personal safety risks.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has been using interlocking paving blocks at precinct driveways for more than 30 years. As compared to other road surfaces made of asphalt or concrete, interlocking paving blocks provide greater ease of access to underground services for maintenance and repairs and are easier to reinstate when works are completed. They are also more environmentally friendly as they are made from recyclable materials.
As part of regular estate maintenance, Town Councils should repair or replace damaged or loosened interlocking paving blocks promptly, so that they do not pose danger to residents and motorists. In the case of some areas within Keat Hong estate which are experiencing recurrent dislodgement of the paving blocks at a few localised spots even after repairs, HDB will continue to work with the Chua Chu Kang Town Council to identify the underlying causes and on a longer-term solution.
While HDB currently does not have plans to replace existing interlocking paving blocks, HDB has been providing concrete pavements at high traffic areas in new HDB developments since 2022. HDB will continue to use interlocking paving blocks for other areas where it is suitable to do so.
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