Senior Minister of State for National Development Lee Yi Shyan revealed that the number of housing board blocks where lift upgrading is not feasible has dropped to about 200, reported Channel NewsAsia.
“While we try to offer the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) to as many HDB blocks as possible, there are some blocks where the LUP is not feasible due to technical constraints or prohibitively high cost,” said Lee in reply to questions raised by several MPs in Parliament.
He revealed that the adoption of innovative solutions and new technology has enabled his ministry to reduce the number of such blocks. In fact, the ministry continues to explore ways to further reduce the number.
HDB, for instance, is piloting two new solutions – the Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) and the Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE). Trials for the PVE began last month, while VPL is presently being evaluated, stated Lee.
He noted that surveys will be conducted to gather feedback from users and determine if the lifts are suitable for implementation in other estates.
“Residents who wish to move to a unit with direct lift access can sell their existing flat and either buy a resale flat or a new subsidised flat if they meet eligibility conditions. Meanwhile, Singaporean residents who are in urgent need of direct lift access due to medical conditions or disability may approach HDB for housing and financing assistance,” added Lee.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Singapore Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
