Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on lift upgrading
Apr 5, 2022
2733. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for National Development of the HDB blocks that have undergone the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) (a) how many blocks are fitted with machine-room-less elevators and bubble lifts to provide direct lift access to such flats; and (b) what is the average cost for the adoption of such innovative technical solutions computed on the basis of per directly-benefitting unit.
2734. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for National Development for units in the 150 HDB blocks that do not have direct lift access and are currently unable to benefit from the Lift Upgrading Programmme (LUP) due to technical or costs reasons, whether HDB will consider buying back such flats from eligible flat owners who face genuine difficulties in selling their flats due to the lack of direct lift access, similar to the buyback assistance scheme for flat owners constrained by the Ethnic Integration Policy.
Answer:
1 I will address Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim’s two questions about lift upgrading together. Under the Lift Upgrading Programme, or LUP, about 270 HDB blocks were provided with bubble lifts or Machine Room-less lifts. For most of these blocks, the cost of providing the lifts was within the LUP cost cap. For some blocks, HDB exercised some flexibility and went beyond the LUP cost cap, so that all the residents in these blocks would be able to have direct lift access. This notwithstanding, providing lifts for some of the remaining 150 blocks without full direct lift access today will be very costly - in some cases, more than $200,000 per household, enough to buy another HDB flat.
2 For these blocks, HDB will continue to explore new methods to bring down LUP costs, as well as alternatives to improve accessibility for residents living in flats without direct lift access.
3 In the meantime, residents living in these blocks who are in urgent need of direct lift access due to medical conditions or mobility reasons, are eligible for the Lift access Housing Grant (LHG) of up to $30,000 when they buy another flat with direct lift access. As with all flat owners, when they take possession of another flat, they are given a grace period of 6 months to dispose of their existing flat. HDB’s data shows that generally, those who have purchased another flat with the LHG have no issue selling their existing flat.
4 Should the flat owners need more time to dispose of their existing flat, HDB can grant an extension of time on a case-by-case basis. Flat owners who need further assistance can approach HDB, and HDB will see how best to assist them.