When the Lift Upgrading Programme ( LUP) first started in 2001, there were 5, 300 HDB blocks without full lift access, according to National Development Minister Desmond Lee in Parliament on February 18th.
Since therefore, over 5, 000 stones have been upgraded, leaving about 140 stones where LUP remains impossible.
He advised that families who are experiencing extenuating circumstances due to health or mobility issues may apply for a grant of up to S$ 30, 000 to aid them in moving to a novel or sale level with strong raise exposure.
He suggested looking into area treatment apartments or 2-room Flexi apartments for seniors who have mobility issues and who also have financial constraints.
Even if they have recently purchased two subdivided apartments, eligible aspirants receive goal under the Senior Priority Scheme.
Lee responded to parliamentary questions ( PQs ) made by Ang Wei Neng, a GRC member from West Africa, and ng Mo Kio, a GRC member.
When owners of segmented HDB units with limited access to the lift can apply for Build-To-Order ( BTO ) apartments, especially if they have members of their family who are disabled, priority might be given, according to Ang.
Ng requested explanation on other assistance for senior citizens who are ineligible for the LUP after the LHG due to their limited financial resources and less chance of securing new apartment space as first-time buyers.
She even requested information on how many affected products have used the LHG properly in the last three years.
51 Approved, 9 Under Review: Lift Access Housing Grant Software Since 2020
In response, Lee stated that in the past five years, next- and nth-timer seniors who booked 2-room Flexi cottages or Community Care Apartments were able to accomplish but within two attempts on average.
Elders who right-size to a 3-room or smaller HDB level and contribute money from their existing home sales to their CPF Retirement Account perhaps also benefit from the Silver Housing Bonus of up to S$ 30, 000, which is available for people and away to S$ 30, 000 for songs.
This program aims to provide extra income for retirement while helping seniors secure appropriate housing to meet flexibility needs.
Since the application of the LHG in 2020, HDB has received 67 full software, of which 51 were approved, while 9 remain under assessment, Lee added.
Effective applicants can use the offer to purchase a flat from HDB, such as a 2-room Flexi apartment with a shorter contract or a Community Care Apartment, or from the resale market, depending on their needs and budget.
” I urge homeowners with urgent accessibility needs to contact HDB for support so that HDB may better understand their problems and look into appropriate options,” Lee said.
MP calls for Segmented Flat Owners to Prioritate BTO for those who have accessibility issues.
In a supplemetary questions, MP Ang asked how many split HDB units without clear raise entry remain in Singapore, noting that in his Nanyang hospital only, 224 units across 14 blocks face this problem.
He made the case that the original owners, decades ago, gave privacy precedence over lift access, but now struggle with lower resale values and difficulty selling their apartments.
He urged the government to grant priority to such owners, especially those with mobility-challenged family members, when applying for BTO flats with lift access.
Lee responded that he did not have the precise number of segmented HDB units without lift access.
He highlighted that since LUP began in 2001, over 5, 000 blocks have been upgraded, leaving about 140 blocks where LUP remains unfeasible.
He said that HDB would continue to look into technical solutions and improve existing programs to help the residents who have been affected.
MP Ng also made a separate mention of the fact that 10 out of 142 blocks in her Jalan Kayu ward have access issues.
None of the residents have used the LHG despite explaining HDB schemes to them for almost five years.
She noted that many elderly people wish to live in place because they have a sentimental attachment to their homes, but the lack of lift access presents a major challenge.
Ng inquired when the most recent technical and cost analysis for lift installation in these blocks was completed, and whether a higher subsidy might be considered, especially if there is a budget surplus.
She noted that in these blocks, the cost of installing lifts is significantly higher, making co-payment unaffordable for residents.
Exploring Feasibility of Further Lift Upgrading
In response, Lee reaffirmed that HDB is looking into both technical and programmatic ways to assist residents with mobility challenges.
He revealed that some lift installations exceeding S$ 100 000 per unit pose significant technical and financial challenges for the remaining 140 blocks where LUP is unfeasible.
Over the years, HDB has tested multiple solutions, including machine roomless lifts, vertical platform lifts, and long bridges, but some were found to be ineffective or impractical.
” We continue to conduct hackathons and work with research organizations to find new solutions for residents,” Lee said.
MP Proposes Partial Lift Upgrading and Higher Subsidies for Ourved Blocks
Liang Eng Hwa, a MP for Bukit Panjang SMC, inquired if HDB could upgrade lifts in blocks where some units can accommodate lifts while others cannot.
He also questioned whether HDB would think about increasing subsidies to make the 140 blocks that are still unlocked eligible for LUP.
Lee responded that HDB is interested in examining cases requiring partial lift access and that the MP should talk with HDB about specific blocks. He emphasized on funding that HDB prioritizes finding cost-effective solutions while remaining committed to improving lift access for the residents who are affected.
” That is why from 5, 300 blocks at the start of the LUP exercise in 2001, we now have 140 remaining, and we continue to seek ways to assist”, he concluded.
MPs have frequently raised the issue of lift access in Parliament.
MPs have long been concerned about HDB blocks without direct lift access, particularly those constructed before 1990.
Desmond Lee revealed that, despite technical and financial constraints, about 150 blocks under LUP were still lacked lift access in 2021.
Png Eng Huat, a former Labour Party MP, proposed polling residents about the cost of co-sharing upgrades in 2018, but HDB determined the cost was too high.
With cost considerations affecting about 70 % of them, HDB has yet to come up with viable solutions for these blocks.
