Debated in Parliament on 18 Sep 2023.
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will extend subsidies specifically for Addition and Alteration works to households that have multi-step entrances to their HDB flats after these households apply for ramps or access solutions under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme; and (b) how many HDB flats with multi-step entrances currently will require Addition and Alteration works to facilitate the installation of such solutions.
Currently, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) offers a range of accessibility solutions under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme. Since April 2023, EASE has been expanded to offer a greater range of accessibility solutions that are heavily subsidised by the Government. These include portable ramps, customised ramps, as well as wheelchair lifters for those who face constraints with installing or using a ramp.
For certain flat designs and layouts, minor Addition and Alteration works may be needed to facilitate the installation of a ramp or wheelchair lifter at the flat’s main entrance. Such flats are usually on the ground floor and have more than three steps at the entrance.
Minor Addition and Alteration works may entail modifications to the steps or railing at the flat’s entrance. These works are akin to renovation works to be undertaken by the flat owner and are not subsidised under the EASE programme. If the flat owner is unable to afford the cost of such works, HDB may help to refer the owner to a Social Service Organisation for financial assistance.
The need for minor works to facilitate the installation of accessibility solutions under the EASE programme depends on site conditions and can only be determined after HDB conducts a site assessment at the flat.
HDB will continue to explore solutions to improve the accessibility of flats.
PAPERCUTS