Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2024.
Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB can provide an update on whether it is extending the Lift Upgrading Programme to HDB blocks that have undergone the Main Upgrading Programme but still do not have direct lift access to flats; (b) if not, what factors impede this and how will the Ministry address them; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider subsidising stair lifts for wheelchair-bound residents living in such HDB blocks.
To date, households in more than 5,000 Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks have benefited from the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP). Currently, around 99% of all blocks have direct lift access on every floor. There are nine blocks that underwent lift upgrading under the Main Upgrading Programme but are still without direct lift access on every floor level due to technical constraints. For such blocks, residents need to climb about one flight of stairs from the lift landing to get to their units, as compared to three or four flights of stairs prior to lift upgrading.
Over the years, HDB has piloted and adopted different design approaches and innovative solutions to bring direct lift access to more blocks through LUP. Some examples of the solutions that have been successfully implemented include machine room-less lifts, home lifts and bubble lifts. However, there are some blocks where LUP remains unfeasible due to high cost or technical constraints.
HDB has studied installing wheelchair stair lifts and assessed that this is not feasible for large-scale adoption. Staircases within HDB blocks need to be kept clear for fire escape and retrofitting a stair lift will encroach into and impede the evacuation route in the event of a fire. Moreover, such stair lifts may potentially cause injury if not operated properly.
For blocks without direct lift access, HDB will continue to explore new technologies and adopt them where feasible. Residents who are in need of direct lift access due to medical conditions or mobility reasons can apply for the Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 to help them buy another flat with direct lift access.
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