Three Ways To Boost Bonding In HDB Estates

Source : The Straits Times, 10 Aug 2007

I SUPPORT the efforts to improve bonding in housing estates as described in the article, ‘Boost for couples who want to live near parents’ (ST, Aug 4).

In addition to making it easier for newlyweds to get Housing Board flats near their parents’, the authorities can consider making it easier for parents to get flats near their children’s. There are elderly parents who are thinking of selling their old HDB flats to move closer to their children who have moved to the newer estates in Sengkang. It would be good if these parents can have better chances in their application for the new flats, compared to other second-time buyers. This arrangement can also be extended to include new flats in established towns.

It is encouraging that a number of schools are sharing their facilities, such as the school field, with the people in the neighbourhood. Schools can also invite experienced retirees to voluntarily share their expertise and experience with the teachers and students for various functions.

As Singapore becomes a greying society, we should better utilise our silver talents. Our young can benefit from the knowledge and skills of our elderly in the neighbourhood.

Some schools can also become community colleges in the after-school hours so that the people in the community can continue to develop themselves and upgrade their abilities. This will optimise the resources in the neighbourhood.

These efforts can also contribute to closer bonding among families and people in our local communities.

Edmund Lim Wee Kiat