Written answer by Ministry of National Development on number of lift faults at HDB estates and penalties imposed on suppliers

Feb 18, 2025

Question No: 7206

Question by: Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui

To ask the Minister for National Development from 2021 to 2024 (a) what is the annual number of lift faults that have occurred in HDB estates; (b) whether fines have been imposed based on lift fault rates of companies that are granted HDB lift contracts; and (c) if so, how many are there of such instances.

Answer:

From 2021 to 2024, the average number of lift faults in HDB estates has remained stable at about 5.5 per lift per year. This includes lift breakdowns, as well as minor issues such as mechanical noise that do not affect lift operations.

HDB stipulates performance standards based on fault rates in its lift supply contracts for BTO projects and under the Lift Upgrading Programme. Lift suppliers that fail to meet the required performance standards will be restricted from tendering for HDB’s lift contracts in future. There is no financial penalty. From 2021 to 2024, all HDB lift suppliers met the stipulated performance standards. 

Proper servicing and maintenance is equally important in ensuring reliable lift operations over the lifespan of the equipment. The Town Councils are responsible for managing and maintaining the lifts in HDB estates. Town Councils can consider including performance requirements in its service agreements with lift maintenance contractors.