Khaw Boon Wan
Singapore
“Motor vehicle dealerships and showrooms have been closed since the start of the circuit breaker. As COE bidding is done mostly by the motor vehicle dealers on behalf of prospective owners, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) suspended COE bidding for the months of April and May.”
“Though stressed by the financial pain, they press on with the immediate priority of fighting the virus and supporting essential services. Post-pandemic, we will see how public transport evolves. Will demand for public transport services simply return to the pre-pandemic level?”
“Under our rail financing framework, the Government fully pays for the cost of building new rail lines. In other words, we do not recover the cost of building the Cross Island Line (CRL) from commuters through fares. The CRL project is being implemented and the final costs will depend on tender bids.”
“There are around 5,000 private bus operators with a combined fleet of 13,500 private buses. As we do not track the number of private bus trips and passengers, we do not have data on their carbon emissions.”
“There are nursing rooms at 50% of our bus interchanges. We will provide nursing rooms at all new bus interchanges and integrated transport hubs. For the MRT network, we will provide nursing rooms at all new interchange stations. We will also explore providing such facilities when MRT stations undergo upgrading.”
“Over the last three years, Singapore carriers have reported a total of 20 incidents of food allergies on board their flights. None required the use of epinephrine or emergency flight diversions.”
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“It is mandatory for HDB flat owners who use CPF monies to service their monthly loan instalments to take up the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) or an equivalent mortgage reducing insurance (MRI). 60% of all HDB flat owners with outstanding loans fall under this requirement. For the remaining 40% of the flat owners who are not using CPF monies to service their monthly loan instalments, 44% of them have voluntarily taken up the HPS. Some have also opted to take up equivalent MRI from private insurance companies. HDB encourages all HDB flat owners to take up HPS or an MRI as it ensures that surviving family members are protected in the event of the death or incapacitation of the lessee. We will continue to work with CPF Board to see how we can further improve coverage amongst home buyers. Page: 183”
“We are ramping up the supply of dormitories to meet the increased demand for foreign workers. New sites for purpose-built dormitories will continue to be released. However, not all foreign workers are housed in dormitories. Employers have other options to house their foreign workers, such as in converted industrial properties and workers' quarters on construction sites. Many foreign Page: 182 workers are also renting rooms in HDB flats and private apartments. The Government will continue to identify suitable dormitory sites, and facilitate the development of new purpose-built dormitories to meet both the immediate and longer-term demand for foreign worker housing. This will also help to reduce over-concentration of foreign workers living in our HDB estates.”
“HDB imposes a forfeiture fee of 5% of the flat price for cancellation of flat booking to ensure that buyers are serious when they book their flats. We have no plans to review this fee as it is already substantially lower than the 20% forfeiture fee imposed by private developers. Nevertheless, HDB is prepared to consider appeals for waiver of the forfeiture fee on a case-by-case basis, and exercise flexibility where there are extenuating circumstances such as financial hardship.”
“Yes. We have HDB Housing Counsellors in the branches who provide financial counselling and proactively help flat owners in mortgage arrears or financial difficulty by proposing solutions to their circumstances. If the financial difficulty is temporary, HDB will work out short-term measures, such as reducing or deferring their instalments, or an instalment plan to resolve their arrears. HDB also works closely with other social agencies, such as the Family Service Centres or Social Service Offices, to help flat owners who need employment, financial or social assistance. For flat owners who can no longer afford to keep their flats, HDB will explore more permanent solutions, such as helping them move to a smaller flat. For flat owners who want to sell their flat in the open market, we require them to go through the HDB Resale Checklist. This will alert them to carefully plan for their next accommodation and work out their finances before proceeding with the resale transaction. Flat owners should engage HDB early and exercise responsibility in resolving their difficulty. They should not resort to quick-fix solutions like encashing their flats. Such solutions create new problems which are often even harder to resolve. Page: 163 Meanwhile, HDB continues to conduct regular public talks and resale seminars to educate the public on financial responsibility and prudence in housing choices.”
“There are many different sources of trash and waste that are washed upon our northern shores and Pulau Ubin, especially when there are many vessels plying the Straits of Johor. Under AVA's fish licence, fish farmers have to comply with the licensing condition to properly dispose the waste generated from their operations. Waste collection points are available at the Lim Chu Kang jetty and at Changi Creek in the western and eastern straits respectively. Farmers can also send their trash to Senoko Fishery Port. AVA had explored the feasibility of door-to-door waste collection services for fish farmers, but the costs were found to be too high for the farmers. To facilitate proper waste disposal for eastern fish farmers, a new jetty will be built at Lorong Halus by early 2014 which will have a waste collection centre. AVA carries out routine inspections, including night raids, to monitor the fish farms and will take enforcement actions against farms caught illegally dumping their trash into the waters or on Pulau Ubin. Its marine inspectors work closely with the Police Coast Guard to keep a look-out for fish farmers discarding waste into the sea. AVA also conducts regular briefings to remind fish farmers to maintain proper waste management. Page: 137”
“HDB parking lots are provided primarily to serve the needs of HDB residents. HDB considers factors, such as the number of dwelling units, flat type, existing parking demand, LTA's projected car population growth and transport policies when deriving the number of parking lots in HDB estates. HDB reviews its parking norms regularly in consultation with LTA. The number of households owning more than one car has remained constant at about 5% (or 44,000) since 2011. Of this, about 5% (or 2,300) are assigned to park at alternative car parks near their home. HDB will continue to monitor the parking situation at its estates and provide viable solutions to meet the residents' needs.”
“The entire Car Parks Lift Installation Programme will complete by 2017. We are giving priority to towns with a larger stock of such car parks without lift access. This includes Sengkang West where works in quite a number of the car parks will begin soon.”
“We launched the Interim Estate Upgrading Programme (I-EUP) in 2009 as a pilot, to provide small scale upgrading works in private estates. It complements the main Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP). Initially scheduled to take place over three years, the I-EUP pilot is now implemented over three batches. This is to accommodate more requests from the residents, and for the public agencies to evaluate and approve the proposals for implementation. The I-EUP pilot is expected to conclude by the end of 2015. We will then review the outcomes of the pilot and decide if it should be continued. Page: 169”
“The 6.9 million population scenario presented in the Population White Paper is a stretched scenario, which we use to plan for overall Page: 168 land and infrastructure, and not for the development of public housing estates alone. This population scenario projects that Singapore's resident population will range between 4.2 and 4.4 million by 2030, of which citizens will make up 3.6 to 3.8 million, while the population of Permanent Residents is kept stable at between 0.5 and 0.6 million. The rest of the 6.9 million is made up of non-residents, who are transient and heavily dependent on our social and economic needs, as well as global conditions. This includes foreign workers who are largely housed in dormitories, foreign domestic workers and students. In planning for public housing, MND/HDB ensures that our flat supply remains relevant and responsive to the housing needs and preferences of our resident population. There is no target in terms of the percentage of the population living in public housing by 2030.”
“The HDB Greenprint was launched in October 2012 to bring sustainable living into existing public housing estates. These initiatives, which include energy and water-saving solutions, are being piloted in Jurong East. The HDB Greenprint pilot at Jurong East has been making good progress. This year, HDB will carry out the installation of secured bicycle parking facilities, the Elevator Energy Regeneration System (EERS) and the Rainwater Harvesting System (RWHS). HDB will also construct underground pipes to transport waste into centralised bins. Over the next two years, the residents of Jurong East will see the construction of a new cycling track by LTA, the intensification of greenery within the estate and the installation of outdoor LED street lamps. Currently, the RWHS piloted in Jurong East is primarily designed to collect rainwater from the rooftops of HDB blocks. The rainwater collected is non-potable and will be used for washing the common areas. There is scope to explore using the RWHS as a flood mitigating measure. HDB will study the feasibility further.”
“All construction sites in Singapore have to comply with NEA's noise regulations. From 2010 to 2012, there were 93 violations of NEA noise control regulations by contractors of HDB projects. NEA fines contractors who commit such violations. From 2010 to 2012, HDB received 170 cases of feedback from residents concerning construction noise. HDB has promptly attended to residents' feedback and taken further measures where possible to mitigate the construction noise. Currently, HDB requires its contractors to implement a comprehensive Noise Management Plan to minimise noise nuisance to surrounding residents. HDB is also working closely with NEA and BCA to explore quieter methods of construction. These include using a new method to trim pile heads to reduce the amount of hacking required, and using Self-Compacting Concrete to eliminate the noisy process of compacting concrete, where feasible. Page: 167”
“We have carefully considered the Member's request with MOE and Singapore Sports Council. Since 1995, the track and field site has been safeguarded as part of a larger area for residential development. In 2007, at the request of Cedar Girls' Secondary School, it was allowed to use the site on a temporary basis for 10 years, as there was no immediate need for the site. It was understood and agreed that the lease for use will be a temporary one and that when the lease expires in 2017, the site will be returned for the development of the new Bidadari Estate. It will provide 600 HDB flats, a road, a health and medical development and a place of worship. When HDB recently exhibited its plans for the new Bidadari Estate at an exhibition, public feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of respondents in support of the plans. The new Bidadari Estate will have a 10-hectare park, a jogging path and a cycling track with a 20-metre wide linear park weaving throughout the estate. All residents and the local community, including the school, will be able to benefit from these new facilities. Page: 166 In view of the impending development, we are unable to allow the school to extend the lease of the site.”
“There are a total of about 910 car park enforcement officers employed by HDB and URA's service providers. Based on information given by the service providers, the average basic monthly salary of car park enforcement officers ranges from $710 to $770. The Page: 154 average gross monthly salary ranges from $1,300 to $1,800. The salary is pegged to work experience, qualification and work performance. HDB and URA are prepared to favourably consider service providers that adopt a progressive wage model for car park enforcement officers.”
“From 2010 to 2012, 6,570 divorcees with children applied to buy a new flat from HDB. 3,640 were invited to book a new flat – 2,840 did so, but the other 800 did not. Of the remaining 2,930 who were unsuccessful, 560 have since purchased another resale flat, DBSS flat, EC unit or private housing, while 840 have continued to apply for a new flat this year. Low-income divorcees with children who have no viable housing options or family support may apply for a public rental flat. Since 2010, 2,660 divorcees with children have been allocated a rental flat. There are another 400 who have been registered and are waiting to be allocated a rental flat.”
“Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of their flats, including repairs for general wear and tear. This applies to all sold Page: 141 residential buildings, both public and private. For HDB flats, flat owners are responsible for the repairs to the spalling concrete and ceiling leaks in their flats. In the case of ceiling leaks, both the owners of the upper and lower floor units are jointly responsible, as provided under HDB Lease. In cases where flat owners have difficulties with the repairs, HDB provides assistance through the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) Scheme. Under the GRA scheme, HDB arranges for the repair works and co-pays 50% of the cost. For ceiling leak repairs, the balance 50% is shared equally by the upper- and lower-floor flat owners. For spalling concrete repairs, the affected flat owners bear the balance 50% of the repair costs. The actual repair work to resolve ceiling leaks and spalling concrete takes about 3.5 days and one day respectively. However, the time HDB needs to complete investigations and repairs depends very much on the complexity of the problem, and the cooperation of the flat owners. Generally, about 80% of repairs are carried out within four months from the date of feedback. MND does not set an acceptable period for such repairs. Where repairs are delayed by uncooperative flat owners, HDB will try to persuade them to cooperate, involving the grassroots leaders to mediate where needed. Legal action is used as a last resort when persuasion fails.”
“For FY2013, we have selected 28 projects comprising 27,000 flats for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). Of these, 14 projects have already been announced by the local Advisers. The remaining 14 projects will be announced over the next few months. After each announcement, a local Working Committee will be set up to oversee implementation. Implementation includes appointing a project consultant, finalising project details, conducting polls among the residents, calling and awarding construction tenders. For these projects, we expect polling to be conducted next year. Subsequently, the construction works will commence three to four months after the polling exercises and will typically take about 18 months to complete.”
“NParks carefully considers the nature and impact of any event to the flora and fauna before allowing it to be held at the Nature Reserves. The North Face 100 annual international cross-country run, which Ms Faizah is referring to, is no exception. NParks imposes strict conditions within the ambit of the Trees and Parks Act on all event organisers to ensure minimal impact on the Nature Reserves. NParks will not hesitate to take enforcement action should there be any breach of the rules and regulations. The organisers of the North Face 100 will have to comply with NParks' conditions. Actually, the 50-km route will largely take place outside of the Nature Reserves. Only a small segment, about 13 km, will be within the Central Page: 133 Catchment Nature Reserve. The organisers of North Face 100 will also have to take steps such as staggering and spacing out runners to moderate the number of runners on the trails, and setting up dedicated rubbish disposal areas. Runners who litter will be disqualified.”
“The Member's question refers to Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs), which are ancillary dining areas of a restaurant or coffee shop in public walkways or spaces. ORAs can enhance the character of an area and help enliven public spaces. However, they need to be properly managed. For Orchard Road and Singapore River, guidelines are in place to ensure that ORAs contribute to the vibrancy of these places. Last month, the guidelines were revised to ensure that different groups of users can continue to enjoy easy Page: 132 access to public spaces along the riverfront. The latest revisions affect the southern stretch of Clarke Quay, where Riverside Point is located. ORAs there are located next to the building and directly along theriver edge. Over time, the increased spillage of tables and chairs has hindered pedestrians from getting close to the river edge. In response to the observed situation and feedback received from visitors and residents, URA no longer permits restaurants and cafes to set up ORAs next to the river edge. In return, a larger ORA is allowed next to the building. The new guidelines should improve the experience of diners and pedestrians. This is not new. At One Fullerton, restaurants and cafes operate ORAs on the promenade next to their building while the walkways along the river edge are kept clear for pedestrians and joggers.”
“Since July 2013, single Singapore Citizens can buy a 2-room Build-to-Order (BTO) flat in the non-mature estates, if they are first-timer buyers aged at least 35, and fulfill the household income criteria. DOS' Census 2010 showed that there were about 221,800 citizen singles aged 35 and above. As the census did not capture their housing history, we are unable to estimate the number as requested by the Member. Nonetheless, we note that there were about 11,800 unique applications from singles in the July and September 2013 BTO exercises. The average take-up rate of 2-room flats in non-mature estates for the BTO exercises launched in 2011 and 2012 was 55% and 52% respectively.”
“As I have said, the Studio Apartments scheme is quite a special one and it is designed for a particular purpose. So, Members should not compare it term-for-term with other flat type like 2- or 3-room flats. It is precisely because we impose some of these conditions for that targeted group, that we were able to keep the pricing of SAs fairly affordable, in order to allow the elderly homeowners to be able to monetise with substantial cash proceeds, and, as I had said earlier, I hope they will know how to hold it and not lose it. 3.00 pm”
“Yes, Madam. That is why we have a Studio Apartment Priority Scheme. It is precisely for that reason. I think quite a substantial proportion of the BTO offerings is reserved for those seniors who apply who either live there, or have children in that locality. The last time I checked, I recall that we were able to meet all the demand, including those in Yishun.”
“I have personally encountered some cases in my own constituency. We would always try to render our help. We know that, sometimes, people during this transitional may not have the cash. But the initial deposit should not be a problem; it is just $250.”
“The answers to both supplementary questions are no. I think the pricing is reasonable. I pay particular attention to SAs and we look at pricing carefully. I do not know when the price tag was $60,000 per SA, but, right now, it is about $100,000. It does vary with location. I have read some comments in the new media comparing SAs with 2-room flats. They are comparing "apples" with "lemons". Some SAs were in very highly popular locations, vs some 2-room flats in non-mature estates. There must be a price difference to reflect the difference in locations. Generally, I find that the SAs are a good option for those who want to right-size. This is targeted at this group. It is one additional option for them. They are now living in a big flat and this is one option for them. I did a house-to-house visit over the weekend. I was happy to see an elderly couple, retirees, living in a 5-room flat. They looked a little lonely because they said that the children have all gotten their BTO flats and, one by one, they have moved out. Now, they have a 5-room flat and only the elderly couple are living there. They are seriously looking at the SA option, knowing that once they right-size and monetise, they will have substantial – easily $200,000 – extra funds. I gave them a strong piece of advice, "Please make sure you keep that money. Don't spend it on silly things because you will regret it."”
“I am not very sure. I may need to discuss this with the Acting Minister for Manpower. This affects the CPF rules. As the Member knows, I am always flexible and compassionate. I will discuss this with my coll”
“Mdm Speaker, I do not quite follow the Member's query. What is the age 62 option?”
“Mdm Speaker, HDB Studio Apartments (SAs) are purpose-built housing for elderly Singaporeans. They are targeted at elderly homeowners who are right-sizing from a larger flat. Such buyers can finance their SAs using the sale proceeds, with balance set aside for their retirement needs. This is one good option for the elderly homeowners to monetise their flats after their children have moved Page: 41 out. Those below the age of 55 have other options, including that of buying a 2-room flat. Nevertheless, we may exercise flexibility on a case-by-case basis for those slightly below the age of 55 in extenuating circumstances, if an SA is the most suitable housing option for them.”
“Madam, there are about 7,000 marriages each year involving Singapore Citizens and foreign spouses. As I said, since July this year, such couples are now eligible to buy 2-room Build-to-Order (BTO) flats in the non-mature estates, so long as the Singapore citizen is a first-timer buyer and meets some age and household income criteria. As our marriage register does not capture income or housing history, we are unable to estimate the number as requested by the Member. However, we note that in the July and September 2013 BTO exercises, about 300 such couples applied under this new scheme. Page: 27 All HDB blocks which have 2-room flats will usually include other flat types as well. This is to promote social mix.”
“Madam, we are always pro-family. Once they have Singapore Citizen children, the age limit of 35 years does not apply. Of course, for those without children yet, the spouse can apply to become a PR or even become a citizen.”
“Mdm Speaker, Singapore Citizens with foreign spouses can qualify for Build-To-Order Page: 26 (BTO) flats, if they have Singapore Citizen children. Those without children can apply to buy a 2-room BTO flat in the non-mature estates, if they meet the age and income criteria and are HDB first-timers.”
“As at end August 2013, there are 49,500 public rental flats available for rental. Forty-eight thousand two hundred flats are being occupied, while the remaining 1,300 flats will be allocated progressively to registered applicants on the waiting list. We are building new rental flats to add to the rental stock. By 2017, we expect to have 60,000 rental flats for occupation. There are currently 1,900 registered applicants waiting to be allocated a public rental flat. From 2008 to 2012, 1,440 ex-tenants progressed to own their homeownership flats. Page: 126”
“HDB has about 7,400 unsold balance flats, including 1,200 completed units. Of the 6,200 units at various stages of construction, 3,300 units are in mature estates and 2,900 units in non-mature estates. We will put those units that are completed and nearing completion to market soon.”
“Detailed Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) data, provided there are sufficient transactions during the quarter, with breakdown by town and flat type are published in the HDB InfoWEB and updated quarterly. HDB, however, does not monitor the detailed breakdown as requested by the Member. We do have some breakdown of COV data by buyer group, as tabulated below: Page: 125”
“The cooling measures aim to ensure that Singapore's property market grows in a stable and sustainable way. Collectively, they act to dampen speculative buying and encourage home-buyers to exercise prudence before committing to a property purchase. Page: 124 Although housing demand and price growth have eased, market activity remains robust and prices continue to rise, as interest rates remain unrealistically low. The cooling measures therefore are necessary and relevant to avoid a major price correction when economic conditions change. External economic developments impact Singapore's property market. In particular, normalising interest rates could pose significant financial risks to individual borrowers and prudential risks to the overall economy. That is why the cooling measures were implemented. It is, however, a dynamic situation and we will continue to monitor the housing market closely and review the cooling measures as economic conditions evolve.”
“The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme serve different objectives. HIP helps flat owners to deal with common maintenance problems related to ageing flats, such as spalling concrete and ceiling leaks. EASE helps them with useful and commonly required home enhancement fittings for the elderly. Specifically, EASE offers elderly residents options covering three types of improvements in their flats (a) slip-resistant treatment to existing floor tiles of bathroom/toilet; (b) grab bars; and (c) ramps to main entrance/within flat. The inclusion of ramps under EASE is to facilitate mobility of wheelchair and commode users within the flat. Such ramps may be installed between the kitchen and the bathroom, and are cost-effective. EASE users have expressed satisfaction with such solutions. Extensive remodelling works for the bathroom go beyond the objectives of HIP and EASE. Those residents who wish to carry out their own improvement works to their flats may do so, with HDB's approval.”
“The pedestrian footbridge is intended to link the proposed Bay East and Bay Central gardens of the Gardens by the Bay. The Page: 115 project is in its concept design phase. Actual implementation will depend on the pace of development of these two gardens, as well as the developments nearby, including the Eastern Region MRT Line development and the staging of the Formula 1 events at Bay Central.”
“Common corridor clutter can obstruct the use of wheelchairs and walking aids, and may even pose a fire hazard and hamper fire-fighting and evacuation during emergencies. Town Councils have by-laws against obstructions along common corridors. Their by-laws typically follow SCDF's guidelines, similar to BCA's existing accessibility requirement. These guidelines stipulate that there must be a clear passage of at least 1.2 metres along the corridors so as not to impede fire-fighting and rescue operations. To prepare for an ageing population and to provide wider access routes for people using mobility aids, BCA announced revisions to the Code on Accessibility last month. The revisions include a wider minimum clearance width of 1.5 metres along corridors for buildings with plans submitted for regulatory approval on or after 1 April 2014. Residents can also do their part in removing corridor clutter, to ensure that passages are clear for a safe and pleasant living environment for all.”
“The Tripartite Advisory on Best Sourcing Practices in January 2012 encourages service buyers of cleaning and security services to outsource responsibly and adopt best practices when doing so. The Advisory mentioned that in addition to meeting the basic workplace safety and health standards, service buyers could provide workers with adequate workplace amenities at the deployment sites, such as washroom facilities, decent rest area for meals and first aid, so that workers will be able to perform their work well and provide better services in a conducive environment. The relevant agencies, such as MND, MOM, MEWR and MHA, are open to studying whether to require rest areas be provided in commercial properties Page: 114 and how to do so for cleaners and security guards.”
“HDB and URA's service providers told us that the average gross monthly salary of their car park attendants ranges from $1,300 to $1,800. The salary is pegged to work experience, qualification and work performance. Page: 113 Over the past three years, 53 cases of abuse of car park attendants were reported to the service providers. Abuse took the form of motorists confronting the car park attendants in a threatening manner and verbally or physically abusing them. Of the 53 cases, 45 have been reported to the Police, while five were resolved at the scene in the presence of the Police. For the remaining three cases, Police reports were not made as the car park attendants did not wish to pursue the matter. Of the 45 cases reported to the Police, 23 have completed investigations, while 22 are still under investigation. Of the 23 that have completed investigations, three were charged in court, of which one was sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment and the other two were fined. The other cases were either given stern warnings, or closed with no further action as the Police could not find sufficient evidence to take action.”
“The Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP) for private estates was launched in 2000. To-date, we have selected 54 private estates over eight batches for upgrading. This has benefited more than 41,000 households. Each batch is launched about two years apart and comprises, on average, six to seven private estates. My Ministry will soon invite nominations for EUP Batch 9. As a community-driven programme, it takes time to engage the residents for feedback and ideas. There is also a need to coordinate amongst different public agencies to consider and approve the various EUP work items, and to factor in the availability of resources in the industry to implement the EUP projects. We will try to extend the benefits to more old estates speedily, but the pace has to take into account these challenges.”
“SCDF stipulates fire safety standards for all buildings in Singapore, including public housing, under the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings or the Fire Code. For high-rise residential buildings, SCDF also requires them to be designed with either alternate means of escape or cross ventilation for smoke dissipation in the event of a fire. Residential buildings over 40 storeys high must have refuge floors and at least two fire lifts to facilitate swift fire-fighting and rescue operations by SCDF. All HDB residential blocks comply with the Fire Code and are designed with natural ventilation. The open access corridors facilitate smoke dispersal and improve visibility in the event of a fire. The locations of the escape routes and staircases are shown on the notice boards at every lift lobby. SCDF and the People's Association (PA) regularly raise awareness on fire safety for a more self-reliant and resilient community in handling emergencies. Each year, 48 Emergency Preparedness (EP) Day programmes are organised by the PA's Community Emergency and Engagement Committees (C2Es) in close consultation with SCDF. Based on a fire scenario at a HDB block, the evacuation drill exercise conducted as part of the EP Day familiarises residents with the evacuation routes. SCDF's Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP) trains members of the public on fire safety and evacuation procedures Page: 106 during emergencies. SCDF's Civil Defence Emergency Handbook, which uses pictorial illustrations and text to depict the actions that need to be taken during emergencies, is also available in four languages both in hardcopy as well as online for download.”
“Three hundred and twenty-seven married couples have taken up rental flats under PPHS. Of these, 225 couples are married with children. Page: 101 We have more than 800 vacant flats available for rental. We will soon announce some enhancements to the scheme to benefit more Singaporean families waiting for their new flats to complete.”
“The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) was introduced in 2007. Since then, 119 projects have been selected for implementation. This is an average of 17 projects each year. In total, over 100,000 flats in 943 blocks have been selected. Two hundred and seven projects covering about 200,000 flats are awaiting selection for HIP. We have stepped up the pace of HIP to 28 projects a year. If budget permits, we will further step up to 35 HIP projects to benefit 35,000 flats each year from next year onwards. Page: 94”
“There are 1,900 registered applicants on the waiting list for public rental flats. On average, the applicants will be allocated a flat within 7.5 months. However, the actual waiting time for each applicant differs, depending on the zone selected, the choice of flat type, as well as the EIP quota for the block and the neighbourhood.”
“The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity at NUS has completed the study on the ecology and population management of mynahs. AVA is reviewing the study findings and recommendations, in consultation with NEA and NParks. However, one key study finding is that the main causes of mynah presence are (a) irresponsible feeding of birds and cats; (b) uncovered rubbish dumps; (c) improper waste food disposal in coffee shops and public areas; and (d) littering. All these causes relate to social behaviour which can be adjusted with cooperative action by all relevant parties on the ground. This study finding confirms the need for full cooperation of all the stakeholders, including the residents and the Town Councils, to collectively tackle the mynah nuisance problem.”
“Shotcreting, or sprayed concrete, is a process in placing concrete through a hose nozzle onto a surface. It is used locally and overseas for tunnel and retaining wall construction and for enhancing the stability of earth slopes. It is a safe and tested process as it provides a quick Page: 161 stabilising and supporting system which prevents erosion. Examples of local projects which used shotcreting include Fort Canning Road Tunnel, Jurong Rock Caverns, Downtown Line 2 MRT Tunnel at Little India station and earth slopes at Jalan Dermawan and Parbury Avenue.”
“Price growth in the private housing market has moderated significantly after several rounds of cooling measures. It slowed from 6.0% in 2011 to 2.8% in 2012. Over the first six months of this year, price growth further slowed to 1.6%. Foreign buying has declined considerably since the introduction of additional buyers’ stamp duty (ABSD) in December 2011 and, more recently, higher ABSD rates in January 2013. The proportion of all purchases by foreigners fell from 18% in 2011 to 8% in the second quarter of this year. In absolute terms, the number of units purchased by foreigners fell from 2011's quarterly average of 1,400 units to 550 units. The Government has no plans to introduce a capital gains tax. But we will continue to monitor the market and act, if necessary, to ensure that housing remains affordable to Singapore Citizens.”
“NParks manages about 1.4 million trees, 57 hectares of flower beds along roadside verges and more than 500 kilometres of guard-rail plants island-wide. For its scheduled tree inspections, NParks inspects trees along major and minor roads once every 12 and 24 months respectively. Quarterly, NParks also conducts routine maintenance checks on trees along roads and residential estates to assess the need for pruning. If any tree has dead or overgrown branches, pruning will be carried out. NParks maintains the flower beds once every three months. The operations include weeding, pruning, fertilising and mulching10. The guard-rail plants are pruned every two or three months to prevent overgrowing. Page: 160”
“As at 30 June 2013, 51,000 (or 6%) of HDB sold flats are fully owned by Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs). Page: 159 All HDB flat owners are only allowed to sell their flats after completing their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). The MOP for unsubsidised resale flats, which SPR families are eligible to purchase, was increased from one to three years in March 2010, and from three to five years in August 2010. In 2013, 130, 320 and 490 flats owned by SPRs were sold within three years, four years and five years of the purchase date respectively.”
“The question pertains to Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs). These are ancillary dining areas of a restaurant or coffee shop in public walkways and spaces. Depending on where they are located and how they are managed, ORAs can enhance or compromise the character of an area and the experience of stakeholders, including operators, patrons and residents, if any, living nearby. Hence, we have to take a differentiated approach in dealing with ORAs. In commercial areas, such as Orchard Road and Singapore River, URA has guidelines to encourage ORAs which enhance the identity and experiences of these places. These guidelines are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain relevant. In areas which are located at or near residential neighbourhoods, we only allow small-scale ORAs if they do not obstruct pedestrian movement or disturb the residents living nearby. Operators planning to establish ORAs should consult URA and meet other regulatory requirements, such as on fire safety. Page: 147 URA will assess each proposal on a case-by-case basis. Where the encroachment of these ORAs into public walkways causes severe obstruction and disturbance, we will investigate such encroachments. We will take enforcement action if necessary.”
“Under the HDB Lease, the repair of ceiling leaks due to wear and tear is the joint responsibility of both upper- and lower-floor flat owners. Both parties would have to rectify the leak and share the repair cost. Notwithstanding the above, HDB provides assistance through the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) Scheme, where HDB arranges for the repair works and co-pays 50% of the cost. The balance 50% is shared equally by the upper- and lower-floor flat owners. Ninety-nine percent of upper-floor owners cooperate with HDB and allow the repairs to be carried out to rectify the ceiling leakage. Where necessary, HDB Page: 146 will engage them to carry out the repairs without delay. The grassroots leaders may also step in to persuade them to cooperate. Failing which, as a last resort, HDB will initiate legal action against the upper-floor flat owners who continue to be uncooperative. Over the last five years, HDB has initiated legal action on an average of 100 upper-floor flat owners, ranging from 68 to 146 flats each year. This is approximately 1% of the total ceiling leak repair cases under the GRA scheme. HDB reviews its policies regularly to ensure that its policies remain relevant and meet the needs of residents and will take the Member's suggestions into consideration in its review.”