The Housing and Development Board (HDB) turned 55 yesterday and National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan took the opportunity to remember the contributions of its pioneering staff.
Writing on his blog, Mr Khaw said their hard work, perseverance and personal sacrifices helped HDB grow towards its mission of providing homes to Singaporeans.
He cited the example of 89-year-old James Bong, who first worked in the Singapore Improvement Trust before joining HDB as a resettlement officer when the agency was formed.
“In those years, squatters were common in Singapore, and living conditions were squalid. The most immediate and important task then was to resettle and rehouse the squatters in better HDB homes,” wrote Mr Khaw.
But he noted that convincing those dwellers to move into high-rise flats was challenging, as many squatters were resistant to changing their way of life. As such, officers like Mr Bong showed tremendous patience and a human touch.
“There are many other HDB pioneers like Mr Bong. The impact of their contribution will long be remembered. They laid the solid foundation, from which we can now move public housing to even greater heights.”
Mr Khaw added that the housing board’s revamped showflat gallery (My Nice Home Gallery) and upcoming plans for Bidadari and Tampines North show the transformation of HDB towns in the past 55 years, which he believes HDB pioneers will be proud of.
Image source: MND blog
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Singapore Editor at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
