ADDRESSING SLIPPERY & WET DROP OFF POINTS, WALKWAYS & LIFT LOBBIES AT HDB BTO ESTATES ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR NATURAL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION

Often, the common amenities in our new HDB BTO estates, including drop off points, walkways and lift lobbies are designed to allow for natural lighting and ventilation.

On days when there is no rain, we appreciate these design features. Unfortunately, as time goes by, we are experiencing heavier rainfall. During such occasions, I have noted residents being confronted with slippery and wet surfaces.

The Town Council responded to these problems by undertaking ad hoc works such as floor screeding, installing drop down screens, etc. But there is a limit to what can be done because of the original design features.

These instances led me to ask the Minister for National Development in Parliament on what can be done in a more holistic way to help resolve these problems.

My question and his answer may be assessed below.

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development having regard to climatic changes leading to heavier and more frequent rainfall in Singapore (a) what support does HDB provide to address feedback from residents of HDB BTO estates about slippery and wet drop-off points, walkways and lift lobbies that were originally designed to make them naturally lit and ventilated; and (b) whether HDB is prepared to provide funding to Town Councils to make additions and alterations to such common property amenities affected by climatic changes.

Mr Desmond Lee: HDB blocks are designed to allow for natural lighting and ventilation, while incorporating weather protection features. For example, there are canopies at common corridors for weather protection, floor screeding at lift lobbies and common corridors to reduce water ponding, and drop-down screens at drop-off points to block rainwater.

Despite the features, during heavy downpours, rainwater may splash into common areas such as lift lobbies, common corridors and drop-off points. When HDB receives feedback from residents regarding excessive rainwater splashing near their unit, HDB will assess the extent of the splashing and provide a rain screen on a case-by-case basis, subject to SCDF’s fire safety requirements to ensure that there is adequate open space and cross ventilation at the common corridor.

For new HDB blocks under design, HDB uses digital tools to simulate the effects of rain and wind, to help identify potential areas prone to rainwater splashing and adopt mitigating measures at an early stage. Additional areas and mitigating measures are also identified and taken during construction.

Should Town Councils receive feedback on common areas being wet and slippery, they may approach HDB and we will see how best to assist them.