Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on programmes to promote neighbourliness

Nov 5, 2019

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: To ask the Minister for National Development whether the HDB will review and enhance the programmes to promote neighbourliness and tolerances among neighbours and whether more can be done to reduce the disputes among neighbours.

Answer:

Encouraging good neighbourliness is not something that HDB, as a housing authority, can do on its own.  That is why the Government has a multi-pronged effort to promote neighbourliness, including through the People’s Association, grassroots leaders and community partners. 

For its part, HDB actively promotes neighbourly behaviour through various initiatives.  These include public education exhibitions at community and school events, as well as outreach by volunteers who share tips on gracious living during door-to-door visits.  HDB’s Good Neighbour Award also recognises individuals who have gone the extra mile with their acts of neighbourliness.  

HDB recognises that the design of housing estates and flats can help shape and promote social interactions between neighbours.  Hence, it has also paid more attention to such design details, including setting aside more community spaces like playgrounds and gardens, which have been effective in bringing neighbours together.  HDB introduced the Lively Places Programme to facilitate and support ground-up community projects.  Through the Programme, HDB hopes to encourage more residents to take greater ownership of place-making initiatives within the estate.  These will promote greater collaboration amongst residents, and help in building closer neighbourly ties.