Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on safety and elderly-friendly features of HDB's studio apartments
Nov 7, 2016
Mr Png Eng Huat: To ask the Minister for National Development
(a) how does HDB ensure the safety and elderly-friendly features of HDB's studio apartments in new housing developments are built according to specifications before allowing elderly residents to move in; and
(b) who is responsible for fixing such inherent defects if they are detected after the defect liability period.
Answer:
HDB complies with BCA’s Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment 2013 for the design of safety/elderly-friendly features of studio apartments. HDB engages a team of consultants to manage the construction of safety and elderly-friendly features to ensure that they are built according to the specifications. As part of HDB’s quality management system, HDB supervises, tests, audits and inspects flats throughout the construction process, to ensure the quality of flats delivered to home buyers. Where there are defects, HDB will require contractors to rectify them to HDB’s satisfaction before allowing residents to move in.
After residents have moved into the flats, HDB will continue to assist residents who report defects to HDB. If defects are reported during the 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP), HDB will arrange for the contractor to carry out the repairs. If any defects are reported after the DLP, HDB will investigate accordingly and arrange for repairs for cases where there are safety concerns due to the product design or installation.