Written Answer by MND on addressing issue of sigma lifts installed in public housing estates breaking down despite mantenance

Feb 6, 2023

Question by: Ms Tin Pei Ling

To ask the Minister for National Development:

(a) what is the total number of Sigma brand lifts installed in our public housing estates;
(b) how has Sigma performed in lift maintenance and service follow-ups since the tender restriction imposed on Sigma was lifted in 2020; and
(c) for Sigma lifts that were installed in public housing estates and which keep breaking down despite obligatory maintenance, how will the Ministry take the company to task and will the Ministry consider increasing the budget to replace these lifts earlier.

Answer:

There are currently 3,218 Sigma brand lifts installed in public housing estates.

2.       As lift owners, Town Councils are responsible for the maintenance and replacement of lifts in HDB estates. Today, the Government already provides a 50% matching grant for every dollar contributed by TCs to their Lift Replacement Fund (LRF), which is ring-fenced for lift replacement expenditures. The tender restriction on Sigma was lifted in Oct 2020 as the performance of Sigma lifts has improved and is comparable with lifts in other public housing estates. Hence, there may not be a need for such lifts to be replaced earlier.

3.       Town Councils can work closely with their respective lift maintenance contractors to identify the root causes of lift breakdowns and address them proactively. Nevertheless, if the Member has any specific feedback to raise regarding the performance of Sigma lifts in her constituency, please surface them to HDB and we can take a closer look.