EXTENDING HDB’S GOODWILL REPAIR ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME TO INCLUDE WATER SEEPAGE INTO COMMON AREAS

Recently, I learnt of cases involving water leakages from units affecting common properties under the charge of Town Council. I therefore suggested to the Minister for National Development that the scope of HDB’s existing repair schemes be expanded. From his reply, I am glad to note that HDB’s goodwill repair assistance scheme is extended to deal with leakages from 2nd floor units onto common properties such as void decks. As a result, such home owners will need to only pay 50% of the costs. I am also happy to note that HIP works will cover water seepage from the toilets. My PQ and his answer are set out below.

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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development whether the scope of HDB’s Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme and Home Improvement Programme may be extended to cover works to address (i) water seepage from the floor of 2nd floor units into void decks or common areas and (ii) water seepage from internal walls of units to the external walls thereby affecting external paintwork of the flat.

Mr Desmond Lee: The scope of the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) Scheme covers the repair costs borne by residents for cases of water seepage from the floor of second floor units to common areas such as the community deck. For such cases, the repair cost is split equally between the Town Council and the flat owner, with each co-paying 50%. Under the GRA, HDB helps flat owners pay half of their share, reducing the owners’ co-payment to 25%.

For cases where the water seepage is from the toilet, these are covered by upgrading works under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP).

HDB does not have plans to extend the GRA Scheme and HIP to cover repairs at common areas, such as on external walls and void decks.