Revamping 29,000 HDB Flats with $407M Upgrade

MAJOR UPGRADE FOR AGING HDB FLATS

More than 29,000 Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats will soon receive enhancements under the latest round of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). With over S$407 million allocated for upgrading works, this initiative aims to modernize aging flats and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Announcing the expansion on Feb 16, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee shared that an additional 371 blocks will be included in the programme. Since its launch in 2007, 494,000 flats have benefited from the scheme.

Where Are the Upgrades Happening?

According to HDB, the selected flats are located in:

  • Bedok
  • Bukit Batok
  • Bukit Merah
  • Bukit Panjang
  • Chua Chu Kang
  • Hougang
  • Jurong West
  • Pasir Ris
  • Queenstown
  • Sengkang
  • Tampines
  • Toa Payoh
  • Woodlands

SENIOR-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Residents will have the option to install senior-friendly fittings under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, which was expanded last year. These fittings include:

A. Foldable shower seats
B. Handrails at flat entrances with steps
C. Grab bars
D. Slip-resistant bathroom floor treatment

So far, 29,000 households have applied for these improvements, with Minister Lee describing the take-up rate as “very encouraging.”

COMMITMENT TO UPGRADING HOMES

The HIP primarily addresses wear and tear in older flats, ensuring they remain safe and comfortable for residents. Upgrades include:

A. Toilet and bathroom improvements
B. New entrance doors and gates
C. Replacement of refuse chute hoppers

To date, the government has invested approximately S$4 billion in the HIP as of March 31, 2024. Of the 494,000 flats selected for upgrading, nearly 381,000 have already undergone improvements.

“As our homes and estates age over time, they naturally encounter higher wear and tear,” said Minister Lee. “The government remains committed to refreshing, rejuvenating, and improving older estates and homes so that Singaporeans can continue to enjoy a high-quality living environment.”

With these continued efforts, the government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Singaporeans, young and old, can live in safe and well-maintained homes for generations to come.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Hunt For A Roommate While Keeping Your Sanity

With the soaring property rates, shared accommodation has become more and more popular in Singapore. Living with roommates is an economical choice, which is often necessary. However, living with someone else is complicated. You need to strike a balance between different personalities and accept the differences in living habits. It may be challenging at first, but you will get the hang of it.

To help you keep your sanity, here are three “roommate hunting” tips:

THE SELECTION PROCESS

They say that prevention is better than cure. Prevent personality conflicts from brewing by choosing a roommate carefully. Get to know the person or people that you are moving in with before you make a decision. Are your living habits compatible to the other tenants? Make sure that you like the space for what it is.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Alternatively, you may visit websites that offer information about your potential roommates. For instance, Easy Roommate lets you upload a profile of yourself and contact some possible roommates. Its search feature can easily provide you an idea of the desirable locations and its local amenities. Give it a try! 

THE SHOWDOWN OF EXPECTATIONS

Whenever two or more people are interacting on a regular basis, conflicts are bound to happen. Whether you are settling with your partner or sharing a room with a friend, that is just how life goes. When this happens, remain calm and deal with the conflict in a healthy manner. Discuss the matter with him or her and reach a compromise.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Manage your expectations by clearing everything out. If you need or want something from your roommate, you must speak up. Setting up rules and expectations earlier on is the best thing to do.

THE SERIOUS TALK

You must talk about management of space in the beginning of your relationship with the roomies. Many people assume that they can leave their items in a shared space, while others find it annoying. Others are happy to share their food in the common fridge, while most people demand permission. Some people may be okay with you walking in when the door is unlocked. However, others would appreciate a knock before opening a door. These are just of the differences that you may encounter.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

So, establish your needs and wants regarding space and encourage others to do the same. They shall reciprocate the amount of respect you give.

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