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The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) has recently selected over 29,000 HDB flats for the latest round of upgrading works. In a press release on Feb 16, HDB announced that a budget of over $407 million will be allocated for these improvements.
These selected flats are situated in various areas such as Bedok, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Sengkang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands. This is part of the ongoing efforts by the government to ensure that older flats are well-maintained and provide a safe living environment for residents.
The HIP was first introduced in 2007 to address common maintenance issues that arise due to wear and tear in older flats. Since then, close to nine in 10 eligible flats or 494,000 flats have been selected for the programme, with 381,000 flats undergoing upgrades, according to Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee.
In this latest round, the selected flats will undergo essential improvements that focus on the basic safety needs of residents. These improvements include repairing spalling concrete and ceiling leakages caused by wear and tear. The costs of these essential improvements are fully funded by the government for Singapore citizen households.
In addition to essential improvements, flat owners can also opt for optional improvements such as upgrades to existing bathrooms and toilets, a new entrance door and grille gate, and a new refuse chute hopper. These optional improvements are subsidized by the government, with Singapore citizen households paying only 5% of the costs, depending on the type of flat.
Since 2012, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme has been offered as part of the HIP. Under Ease, flat owners can choose to install senior-friendly fittings such as grab bars, ramps, and slip-resistant treatment to toilet and bathroom tiles. These improvements are also heavily subsidized by the government, with up to 95% of the costs covered for Singapore citizen households.
As of March 31, 2014, HDB has allocated approximately $4 billion to the HIP and $150 million to the Ease programme. This highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining the quality and safety of older HDB flats for its residents.
With the latest selection of 29,000 flats, it is evident that the HIP and Ease programmes will continue to benefit many more Singaporean households in the years to come.
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