Written answer by Ministry of National Development on reports of water seepage in HDB flats during continuous monsoon season and sustainable solutions to address problem

Feb 4, 2025

Question No: 7150

Question by: Liang Eng Hwa

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry tracks the number of external water seepage incidents that occur in HDB flats during the recent continuous monsoon raining season; (b) how many seepage cases are reported in 2024; and (c) whether the HDB has any sustainable response plan to help rectify and reduce the number of seepage cases that occur in HDB flats.

Answer:

The external walls of HDB flats are part of common property maintained by Town Councils. As residents who encounter water seepage from external walls typically report it directly to their respective Town Councils, MND does not track this data.

In complex cases, HDB supports Town Councils by conducting joint inspections and providing technical advice, so as to identify the root causes and carry out appropriate repairs expeditiously. HDB has also been providing training to Town Councils on the repair of external wall seepage. Town Councils can apply for assistance under the Façade Repairs Co-payment scheme whereby HDB co-shares 50% of the cost of façade repairs.

HDB is committed to enhancing the comfort and safety of HDB residents and will continue to invest in research and development to address seepage issues in HDB flats more expeditiously and effectively. These include studying technologies that can pinpoint the water seepage source more accurately as well as more effective repair methods.