Explanation needed for spate of HDB lift problems

Another Housing and Development Board lift, in Jurong West, has malfunctioned and injured a person (HDB lift suspended after falling four floors, injuring passenger; July 3).

Some questions need answering: Are there more incidents of lift breakdowns causing injuries and fatalities in recent years? Did the lifts malfunction owing to age, design and construction, maintenance or the lack thereof?

Are there major contributors to the current spate of problems?

This may include certification, the competency of supervisory authorities at the national and local levels, the quality of suppliers and maintenance companies, the lift manufacturer’s country of origin as well as service personnel’s demographics, job background and job authorisation.

Perhaps a statement from the National Development Ministry is needed to address this issue of public safety, as almost every Singaporean resident takes the lift every day.

Ultimately, the ministry must investigate these incidents thoroughly and explain them to rebuild lift users’ confidence, as the next accident seems to be a matter of when, not if, it will happen.