Home ownership still S’pore’s ‘key social pillar’

SINGAPORE — The Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) mission of helping Singaporeans realise their dreams of owning a home remains “critical and relevant”, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday in a blog post marking the 50th anniversary of the HDB’s Home Ownership for the People Scheme.

Mr Khaw said the nation has come a long way since Feb 12, 1964, when the scheme was introduced.

“Once we were an island of squatters and slums. Today, over 80 per cent of our people live in good quality HDB flats, with 9 in 10 owning their own flats,” he wrote.

Home ownership, the minister said, remains Singapore’s “key social pillar”. “It gives Singaporeans a tangible stake in our country, financial security, and a critical sense of belonging.”

And the HDB has been forward-looking in its designs. For example, all new BTO projects will have eco-features such as energy-saving lighting in common areas, and eco-pedestals in bathrooms, which recycle water for flushing.

But Mr Khaw said what is more important than the hardware is the “heartware”, for HDB estates are where Singaporeans build homes, start families and form strong bonds with their neighbours and communities.