HDB Annual Report 2020/2021

In this challenging year, HDB drew on its reservoir of resilience and innovativeness, keeping customers front and centre of its service delivery even as it joined in the Government’s collective fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Working to Combat COVID-19 As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of our community, HDB sprang into action to mitigate the disruptions to its programmes and services, and safeguard the well-being of sta and customers. When the virus broke out in migrant worker dormitories, HDB became the first agency tasked to re-house thousands of healthy workers as part of a Whole-of-Government (WOG) e ort to contain the outbreak and reduce the impact on essential services, including HDB’s building programme. Moving swiftly, HDB converted 8 Multi-Storey Carparks into housing for 2,300 workers, and vacant HDB Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) sites for another 5,000 workers. 6 Quick Build Dormitory (QBD) sites contributed another 15,000 beds. Amongst them, QBDs at 4 sites have been handed over to the Ministry of Manpower progressively since March 2021 to operate as Migrant Worker Onboarding Centres, where newly-arrived migrant workers in the construction, marine and process sectors undergo enhanced medical examination and the Settling-in Programme. These sites were re-configured or built within 3 weeks to 6 months – a testament to HDB’s agility and operational capabilities. Strict Safe Management Measures, such as restrictions on the movement and number of workers on site, were also implemented at all HDB Serving the Nation construction worksites to ensure the safety and well-being of the workers and prevent a resurgence of the virus. Even as HDB worked hard with industry partners and relevant agencies to keep ongoing BTO projects on track amidst the di cult challenges facing the construction industry, it continued to keep in close touch with flat buyers whose BTO flats were a ected by construction delays. For a ected flat buyers unable to find alternative housing arrangements, we rendered assistance with Interim Rental Housing flats where possible. Those who are currently waiting for their BTO flats can be assured that HDB is working hard to keep BTO projects on track, and will keep them informed on the construction progress. For those unable to find alternative housing arrangements in the interim with family members, relatives or on the open market, they are advised to reach out to HDB for assistance. HDB also played a key role in keeping the heartlands safe during this pandemic, with the coordination of Safe Distancing operations in our estates, such as at Town Centres, Neighbourhood Centres and common areas in the estates. Taking the lead, HDB formulated a set of Safe Distancing policies that cover these areas, and deployed over 1,000 Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Safe Distancing Enforcement O cers across various government agencies, to help reduce the risks of viral transmission in HDB towns. 35 HDB ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21