Singapore Allocates S$95 Million for HDB Upgrades Benefiting Over 15,600 Households

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore has announced a significant investment of S$95 million to upgrade and rejuvenate 23 residential precincts across the island. This initiative, part of the 15th edition of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP), is set to benefit over 15,600 households in areas including Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, and Pasir Ris.

Why this matters: This investment in public housing infrastructure has significant implications for the quality of life of Singapore's residents, particularly the elderly. It may also have a positive impact on the overall social and economic well-being of the community.

The NRP, introduced in 2007, focuses on improvements at the block and precinct levels for buildings constructed up to 1995. Since its inception, more than S$1.5 billion has been allocated to fund 203 projects, with 120 projects comprising about 172,000 flats completed as of April 2024. The programme has been instrumental in revitalizing neighbourhoods across Singapore.

The upgrades will be based on residents' feedback and are expected to include new playgrounds, fitness corners, covered linkways, drop-off porches, and seating areas at void decks. Additionally, senior-friendly amenities such as therapeutic gardens with wheelchair-friendly planter boxes, fitness trails connecting senior-centric amenities, and improved signage for easier wayfinding will be incorporated.

National Development Minister Desmond Lee emphasized the importance of catering to the needs of an ageing population: "As a society that is rapidly ageing, we are in fact making a bigger push and more concerted effort to address our seniors' needs in the built environment."

Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How addressed the rising costs of construction: "Construction costs have gone up partly because of Covid-19 matters (and) many other issues including supply chain (issues)... But the good news is with (a) higher budget, hopefully we can do more for our residents." The budget for this round of the NRP will be raised from S$4,700 per flat to S$6,100 per flat, making it the largest funding amount for any one NRP edition.

Additionally, more than 20 precincts that had upgrades in the past but have more elderly residents will be further spruced up with senior-friendly features. This effort highlights the government's commitment to creating a built environment that supports the well-being of all residents, particularly the elderly.

The NRP is among several schemes under HDB that focus on renovating flats and sprucing up neighbourhoods, including the Home Improvement Programme and the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance the living conditions and overall quality of life for residents across Singapore.

The areas benefiting from the renewal are expected to be selected by the end of 2024. As residents know their neighbourhoods best, local grassroots and town councils will be reaching out to seek their views and suggestions over the next few months.

This significant investment in the NRP reflects Singapore's ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing its public housing infrastructure. The upgrades aim to create more thriving, inclusive, and senior-friendly communities, ensuring that all residents can enjoy a high quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• HDB invests S$95 million to upgrade 23 residential precincts in Singapore.
• Over 15,600 households in Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, and Pasir Ris will benefit.
• Upgrades include new playgrounds, fitness corners, and senior-friendly amenities.
• Budget per flat increased from S$4,700 to S$6,100, the largest funding amount.
• Initiative aims to create thriving, inclusive, and senior-friendly communities.