Public housing initiatives a hot topic when Parliament sits on Monday

SINGAPORE — The much-debated topic of Housing and Development Board (HDB) lease expiry, as well as the new Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (Vers) and Home Improvement Programme 2 (HIP 2) are among the hot-button issues that will take centre stage when Parliament sits on Monday (Sept 10).

Several Members of Parliament (MPs) have tabled questions on the new housing initiatives, which were announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech last month.

Mr Lee had unveiled Vers — scheduled to take effect in two decades — which will allow owners of HDB flats to vote if they want the authorities to redevelop their ageing properties at the 70-year mark of their lease. This is part of the authorities’ long-term plan to rejuvenate older housing estates in an orderly way, and carry out redevelopment projects over a longer period.

He also announced that every HDB flat can expect to undergo major upgrading twice during its 99-year lease, with the new HIP 2 rolled out for ageing units at the 60- to 70-year mark. At the same time, the HIP scheme — which previously covered flats built up to 1986 — would be extended to blocks constructed up to 1997.

Among the MPs who tabled questions on the housing initiatives, Mr Alex Yam from the Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency (GRC) will ask about the projected timeframe for the rollout of Vers, the precincts that will be eligible, and how the compensation package will be computed.

Details of the scheme, such as the specific terms of offer by the Government, are being worked out by policymakers.

Questions raised by Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) and Ms Cheryl Chan (Fengshan) include those on the selection criteria for eligible Vers precincts, what options residents will have if their flats do not qualify for the scheme, if private developers will be involved in the redevelopment, as well as how the housing initiatives will address concerns over decaying HDB leases and support long-term urban planning.

Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan Toa-Payoh GRC) will ask about the measures to assist owners who find it difficult to sell their properties and downgrade to smaller flats, particularly as there is an increasing number of elderly citizens with HDB flats and private properties with leases of less than 60 years. This is because Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings cannot be used to pay for the purchases of flats with remaining leases of less than 60 years.

MPs will also raise questions on other issues such as the impact of the 30 per cent water price hike that kicked in from July. For example, Nominated MP (NMP) Thomas Chua will ask about the feedback received from industries and businesses that rely heavily on water, and how the Government can help them cope with increased costs.

Another issue that will be raised in Parliament is centred on the vendors who were displaced from the Kreta Ayer flea market in July due to the construction of a sheltered linkway by the Land Transport Authority and HDB’s HIP.   

NMP Kok Heng Leun will ask if any help has been given to the market vendors, and whether the Government will allow them to resume their activities there once renovations wrap up.