Saturday, September 15, 2007

Free Essential Upgrading To Repair Wear And Tear In HDB Flats

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 14 September 2007

Yishun and Tampines are the first two estates to enjoy the new Home Improvement Programme or HIP.

Under HIP, the Housing and Development Board will improve flats that were built some 20 years ago.

Mr Ng Chee Hock’s 3-room unit in Tampines Street 41 which was built in 1985 will be one of the first to benefit from this programme.

His flat will receive a free makeover by the HDB with his waste pipes replaced and spalling concrete and cracks repaired.

In addition, Mr Ng may also get his toilet fixed at a subsidised price of about $550.

He can either choose to replace his toilets, doors or grille gates or do all that at one go.

Mr Ng can pick from three choices of toilet tiles and metal gates and two types of toilet pedestals.

According to the HDB, seven out of 10 flat-owners have said that they would even opt to install this water saving toilet pedestal which has a hand-wash function.

The full range of options cost about $550 for a 3-room flat whereas the cost for an executive flat, could go up to $1,375.

Residents can choose to pay in full or in instalments of up to ten years, using their Central Provident Fund savings or cash.

But the upgrading can only be possible if 75 per cent or more of the residents in the block vote in favour of the upgrading.

The Home Improvement Programme is expected to benefit 300, 000 units built in 1986 and before.

It would also come in handy for the first generation of HDB home buyers who wanted to improve their flats but were unable to afford the renovation costs. –CNA/vm

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