About 29,000 flats built in 1997 or earlier have been selected for the Housing Board’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP), the government announced on 16 February.
These flats, spread across 371 blocks in estates such as Choa Chu Kang, Pasir Ris, Tampines, and Jurong West, will receive structural upgrades and optional enhancements, including senior-friendly features.
The government has allocated more than S$407 million for the latest round of improvements. The HIP, which was launched in 2007, aims to refurbish ageing HDB flats to ensure their safety and livability.
According to the Housing and Development Board (HDB), about S$4 billion has been spent on the programme as of 31 March 2024.
Speaking at a Chinese New Year event in Pioneer, Jurong West, on Sunday, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee noted that 494,000 flats—nine in ten eligible units—have been selected for HIP since its launch, including those in the latest batch. Of these, nearly 381,000 flats have already been upgraded.
“In Pioneer, more than 1,200 households across 10 blocks have been selected in this batch of HIP,” Lee said, referring to Blocks 687 to 696 in Jurong West Central 1, located opposite Jurong Point.
Under the HIP, flats are chosen based on age, and works proceed only if at least 75 per cent of Singaporeans living in the block vote in favour of the upgrades. The programme has two key components: essential and optional improvements.
Essential improvements, which include repairs for spalling concrete or structural cracks, are fully covered by the government for Singapore citizen households.
Optional upgrades, such as new entrance doors and gates, and toilet and bathroom enhancements, are heavily subsidised—up to 95 per cent depending on flat type.
For instance, owners of one- to three-room flats opting for the full optional improvements package will co-pay S$599.50, while the government covers S$11,390.50 of the cost.
Additionally, flats selected for HIP may also include senior-friendly enhancements under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme.
These upgrades include grab bars, foldable shower seats, rocker switches, and slip-resistant flooring in toilets. HDB stated that since the Ease programme was introduced in 2012, approximately 340,000 households have benefited, with over S$150 million spent on such enhancements as of 31 March 2024.
Residents whose blocks are not eligible for HIP can still apply for the Ease (Direct Application) programme via the HDB website, with a site survey conducted before installation.
“These improvements help to enhance the safety and comfort of residents living in HDB flats, enabling more of our seniors to age in place, within their homes and communities,” HDB stated.
Pioneer MP Patrick Tay, who spoke at the event, said that this batch of HIP works marks the first time blocks in Pioneer have been selected for the programme. While Pioneer is generally a newer estate, some blocks are about 30 years old, he noted.
“Some of the residents have given feedback on the HIP, and I am happy with the announcement,” Tay said.
One resident set to benefit from the upgrade is Alan Tan, 60, who has lived in Pioneer for over 22 years. He welcomed the improvements, particularly the anti-slip flooring in toilets, as his elderly parents live with him.
“The toilet has some wear and tear, and it is especially slippery. I heard that there will be anti-slip flooring in the toilet, so I am glad they are doing this,” Tan said.
The announcement comes amid growing speculation about Singapore’s next General Election, with many anticipating it may be held in early May.
Pundits point to various political movements and positioning by the ruling People’s Action Party as indicators of an imminent election.
The post 29,000 HDB flats to receive upgrades under Home Improvement Programme appeared first on The Online Citizen.
