Written answer by Ministry of National Development on expediting the approval process to set up vending machines for food and essential items at the HDB BTO Jurong West Jewel

Feb 6, 2024

Question No: 5413

Question by: Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan

To ask the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry can expedite the approval process to set up vending machines for food and essential items at the HDB BTO Jurong West Jewel project as residents have shifted in and there are no convenience stores nearby to buy food and other daily necessities.

Answer:

HDB towns are designed to be self-sufficient while ensuring easy access to a wide range of facilities, including commercial facilities, to the meet the needs of residents. Most HDB residents would generally be able to access a commercial facility within 400m from their homes, or a walk of 5 to 10 minutes.

2.             This is the same for residents of Jurong West Jewel, who are currently served by an eating house and a convenience store within a 400m radius. HDB is also building an eating house, a minimart, and shops at Jurong West Crystal, an upcoming BTO site adjacent to Jurong West Jewel. When completed, these new facilities will provide additional F&B and retail options for Jurong West Jewel residents.

3.             To better meet the needs of residents, HDB is assessing the market and technical viability of setting up vending machines for food and essential items at Jurong West Jewel.

4.             After HDB completes the technical assessment and identifies a suitable site, the site will be let out via an open tender. This ensures a fair and competitive selection process, in line with the approach taken for HDB’s other commercial properties.