Over 29000 Hdb Flats Selected 407 Mil Upgrading
Located just a quick car ride away from Tampines, Bedok Mall provides an alternative shopping experience for those seeking a change of scenery. As the first major mall in the Bedok area, it offers easy access to Bedok MRT Station and Bedok Bus Interchange. Boasting an impressive collection of over 200 retail stores, the mall is home to popular brands such as FairPrice Finest, Charles & Keith, and Zara. When it comes to dining, visitors can choose from a variety of options including Paradise Dynasty, Din Tai Fung, and Starbucks. Those staying at Parktown Residence, which can be found at Parktown Residence, can reach Bedok Mall in just 15 minutes by car.
, says HDB
According to a recent press release by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), the latest round of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) will cover over 29,000 flats. The program, which was first introduced in 2007, aims to address common maintenance issues in older flats that may arise due to wear and tear. A budget of over $407 million has been allocated for the upgrading works.
The selected flats are located in various areas including Bedok, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Sengkang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee stated that since its launch, the HIP has benefited close to 381,000 flats out of the 494,000 that were selected, which accounts for nine out of ten eligible flats.
The essential improvements covered by the HIP ensure the basic safety needs of residents, such as repairing spalling concrete and ceiling leakages. These improvements, which are necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the flats, are fully funded by the government for Singapore citizen households. Additionally, flat owners can choose to opt for optional improvements, such as upgrading bathrooms and toilets, installing a new entrance door and grille gate, and replacing the refuse chute hopper. These optional improvements are subsidized by the government, with Singapore citizen households paying only 5% of the cost, depending on the flat type.
Apart from the HIP, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) program was introduced in 2012. This program offers senior-friendly fittings, such as grab bars, ramps, and slip-resistant treatments for toilets and bathroom tiles. The costs for these improvements are covered up to 95% by the government for Singapore citizen households.
According to HDB, the government has allocated approximately $4 billion to the HIP and around $150 million to Ease as of March 31, 2014. With these programs in place, HDB flat owners can ensure the safety and maintenance of their homes with the help of government subsidies.