More HDB residents are taking part in voting for colour schemes for their blocks. (Photo: Allkayloh, Wikimedia Commons)
Town councils in Singapore revealed that more residents are taking part in the process of deciding the colour scheme of their HDB blocks, reported The Straits Times.
At Tampines Avenue 9, residents voted on the new look of their residential buildings four months ago.
More than half the residents opted for a black-and-white motif inspired by the Tudor period to replace the traditional red brick design that had covered the buildings for more than 20 years. Now, the 30 HDB blocks in the neighbourhood are gradually being repainted.
“I think it is new and modern; minimalist,” said Haikal Latiff, a 25-year-old university undergraduate, who voted for the winning look. However, he feels it would be better if residents could submit their own colour schemes rather than having the town councils creating the initial shortlist.
According to several town councils, allowing residents to choose the final colour scheme of their HDB blocks is not new. Notably, these buildings are repainted every seven years as part of the Repair and Redecoration works.
However, more people are participating in the selection process, with the turnout rate now ranging from 30 to 40 percent.
Currently, 30 percent to 35 percent of residents cast their votes, compared to the 20 percent turnout rate 15 years ago, according to Ang Wei Neng, Chairman of Jurong-Clementi Town Council.
“Increasingly, residents want to have more say in the development of their precinct, such as choice of colour schemes, type of amenities to be provided and construction of covered walkways,” he added.
In Bishan-Toa Payoh, the turnout rate has also increased to about 30 percent, said its Town Council Chairman Chong Kee Hiong.
At Choa Chu Kang, 39 percent of the residents voted, slightly lower than the 40 percent turnout rate in Tampines. Nee Soon Town Council’s participation rate hovers at 20 percent, while Marine Parade Town Council sees a turnout rate of 30 percent on average.
Cheryl Marie Tay, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories, email cheryl@propertyguru.com.sg
