HDB Annual Report 2020/2021

Resuming Construction Works Safely and Mitigating Delays The measures imposed during the Circuit Breaker period had suspended construction activities and disrupted the supply of materials and manpower from overseas. Though HDB progressively resumed works in the third Quarter of 2020 amid the evolving pandemic situation, construction progress was further a ected by strict adherence to various safe management measures aimed at preventing major COVID-19 outbreaks. To reduce construction delays to our projects, HDB worked with the relevant authorities to shorten the approval process for various permits at each construction stage, and allow less noisy construction activities to be carried out on weekends and public holidays where possible. These measures were taken while ensuring that the quality of projects is not compromised. A ected flat buyers were notified of the revised completion dates, and those who were unable to find alternative housing arrangements were o ered assistance where possible. Upgrading Homes and Towns In the FY, 18,595 flats were upgraded under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). HIP helps home owners address common maintenance issues associated with wear and tear. Similar to BTO projects, HIP was a ected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with works suspended during the Circuit Breaker period to ensure the safety of our residents. Construction works for HIP projects have resumed progressively from August 2020. The HIP package was also refreshed to include more modern and better quality items, one of which is the External Retractable Clothes Drying Rack, which enables residents to dry clothes more safely without lifting heavy laundry bamboo poles in and out of their windows. This new laundry rack will be o ered where feasible, to about 230,000 flats built between 1987 and 1997 that are now eligible for upgrading under the extended HIP. When households are polled for HIP, they also get the choice to opt for the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme. EASE aims to create a safer and more comfortable living environment for seniors through the installation of elderly-friendly fittings at subsidised rates. To date, close to 55% of the polled households have chosen to do so. Separately, about 88,800 households have applied for EASE directly since its pilot launch in July 2012. The Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) focuses on precinct and block-level improvements. In the FY, 12 NRP projects were announced and 13 NRP projects were completed. This brings the total number of completed projects to 95 since the introduction of NRP in 2007. 26 HDB ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21