Keeping the Promise

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has promised to upgrade all eligible public housing blocks by 2014 by providing direct lift access to every floor under the Lift Upgrading Programme. The project is now in full swing, and some 5,000 HDB blocks in total will soon benefit from the LUP.

Keeping residents’ welfare at heart

More than an improved means of vertical transportation, the upgraded lifts have made high-rise living a more pleasant experience.

However, getting there can spell initial inconveniences for residents of blocks undergoing LUP.

With any construction project, noise and dust are inevitable. Through the use of innovative technology, HDB has sought to shorten the construction time and reduce inconveniences. For example, HDB has adopted prefabricated multi-tier steel lift shafts, which are assembled in the factory and brought straight to the site for installation with minimum fuss. This amounts to a 20 percent saving in cost and helps reduce construction noise and dust.

Communication and consultation with residents also play an important part in smoothing the whole LUP process. Once the precinct is nominated, a Working Committee (WC) consisting of the Adviser, Town Council representatives, grassroots leaders, HDB's consultants, and residents will be formed to discuss the designs and highlight any concerns.

Before the go-ahead is given, a straw poll is conducted to gauge residents’ response to the LUP. Mini exhibitions may be held, or surveys could be conducted. Once the design has been agreed upon, a main poll will be conducted, and at least 75 percent of eligible residents currently without direct lift access must agree to the upgrading works before the project begins. Residents are also kept informed of the plans and costs through communication channels such as an exhibition and brochures.

Once work starts, a quarterly newsletter updates residents on the progress of the project. Whenever any work that is likely to inconvenience residents, such as water or electricity disruptions, or noisy and dusty works, residents will be notified in advance.

Residents can also direct any queries to their respective Branch Offices. An on-site information centre with a toll-free telephone line is also set up so that residents can give feedback or seek clarifications on LUP on the spot.

Emerging issues are given prompt attention and discussed at night meetings among the grassroot leaders, Town Council, consultants and HDB to ensure speedy resolution.

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