Task of ensuring lift safety should revert to HDB

I refer to the report “PAP town councils to set aside S$45m to boost lift safety” (Dec 6).

Lift safety has recently been lacking, given the spate of reported accidents, so the announcements that the ruling party’s town councils and the Opposition-run Aljunied-Hougang Town Council will be spending millions to boost safety come as an assurance to residents.

Since safety is paramount, however, the issue should not be politicised such that the parties try to score points and enhance their standing in handling this matter with their spending.

I would suggest that the responsibility for lift maintenance and safety should revert to the Housing and Development Board.

With economies of scale, the HDB can then tender the work out, maybe by zones regardless of where the lifts are located by political jurisdiction.