Come 2020, upgrading works for 55,000 HDB flats will begin, spanning the next few years. This upgrading is part of a $1 billion wider rejuvenation effort by the government.
Singapore government to pump in $1 billion for the upgrading of public and private estates
HDB in Block 219 Petir Road, Bukit Panjang. Picture: iProperty
Under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), one of the main focus is the rejuvenation of flats built between 1987 and 1997. Previously, the programme only included flats built before 1986. Now the scheme will include flats older-aged 30 years and older. There are other 175,000 flats scheduled for upgrading and works will be done progressively over the next 10 years or so.
Upgrading works which are fully subsidized include improvements within the flat such as replacing waster water pipes or fixing concrete spalling issues on ceilings. Works which are not fully subsidized but which can be conducted at the same time include improvements such as bathroom upgrading. $4 billion is expected to be spent on these upgrading works.
Private housing estates to undergo upgrading under EUP
While the flats slated for upgrading have yet to be announced, the next round of Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP) will be launched later this year. This scheme caters to private housing estates and thus far, 63 private estates have been upgraded, including Braddell Heights, Mount Sinai and Serangoon Gardens.
The authorities intend to involve the public in the design and implementation of these upgrading plans from an early stage as part of a wider emphasis on partnerships between the government and Singaporeans. These upgrading works will also bring work for the consultants, contractors and other industry partners.
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