Seven blocks of Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) flats in Hougang will be privatised, after residents voted strongly for the move.
The blocks to be privatised include blocks 344 to 350 in Hougang Avenue 7.
In the mandate exercise conducted in February, 81.5 percent (around 233) of 286 units were voted for privatisation.
The results were revealed by the protem committee at Hougang Community Club on 16 April.
Eric Low, Hougang Grassroots Organisations adviser and member of the People’s Action Party (PAP), said that one issue concerns the estimated amount from the sinking fund allocated for the estate.
“My understanding, which I empathize with them, is that until today, they have still not heard from the town council the estimated amount that they have put aside. The residents are asking, ‘We are now going to privatise. Well, we are going to take over the estate.’ Of course, I do understand their concern. Where do we start? If we don’t have enough sinking fund, then they will need to do some fundraising, or to that effect.”
Mr. Desmond Choo, the PAP candidate for Hougang in the forthcoming General Election, said that he will help the residents sort out existing issues with the privatisation exercise. This will include working with the current MP Low Thia Khiang.
“They’ve just brought out to me and Eric (Low) that there is some sinking funds issues that they want some clarity from the Town Council. We will be working very closely with Mr Low Thia Khiang to see whether we can help them through the process.”
“I think the key thing here is that we must work for the benefit of the residents, not just whether you are from the Workers’ Party or PAP.”