Written Answer by MND on incorporation of bioswales and rain gardens under Biophilic Town Framework contributing to premature deterioration of external finishes of HDB flats

Feb 7, 2023

Question by: Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim

To ask the Minister for National Development whether HDB has investigated if the Biophilic Town Framework, specifically the incorporation of bioswales and rain gardens into precincts, may contribute to the premature deterioration of external finishes of HDB flats.

Answer:

Bioswales and rain gardens do not contribute to the formation of mould or lead to the premature deterioration of building façades, as they are installed away from the building edges. In addition, such water features do not retain permanent bodies of water.  As naturalised drainage systems, they help to filter out the pollutants of surface run-off, after which the cleansed water is discharged into PUB’s main drainage systems.