Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on inclusion of ramps at flat entrances in the EASE package
Jan 29, 2016
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan: To ask the Minister for National Development whether HDB can include the construction of portable/fixed ramps at main entrances of HDB flats that have more than a single step as part of the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) funding package/scheme.
Answer:
The EASE programme offers a set of standard and cost-effective items to make the flat more elderly-friendly, including ramps for single-step entrances. For flats with more than a one-step difference, there are technical, space as well as configuration challenges to building a standard ramp. These challenges are not insurmountable, but they require customized solutions to fit the various flat configurations and resident needs.
And this is why our approach is to let flat owners identify and choose their preferred solutions from among the wide range of commercially available options in the market. What HDB does is to work with the relevant agencies and Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) to assist those who need help in implementing these options. For those with financial difficulty, they can seek assistance from ComCare, SG Enable, as well as VWOs.