HDB turns community builder

(Abstract from TODAY 3rd Nov, 2009 by Esther Ng)



SINGAPORE - From familiar squabbles among neighbours, to a new source of tension as more immigrants populate the heartlands - such issues will be tackled by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) as it moves beyond its main role as provider of affordable public housing.
Set up two months ago, its Community Relations Department aims to enhance social cohesion and integrate newcomers. "One of the challenges for HDB is to develop strategies and programmes that will help enhance residents' sense of community responsibility and ownership - from owning their flat to ownership of their community," said HDB chief executive Tay Kim Poh.
The unit was unveiled along with HDB's annual report. While observers welcomed HDB's intentions, some wondered how the department would fit into a landscape already occupied by the National Integration Council and grassroots organisations that plan activities for newcomers.
"It's fine if it's to guide (people) to be socially responsible dwellers, otherwise it's a duplication of resources," said Aljunied MP Cynthia Phua.
Some complaints MPs receive include rubbish on the landing and noise. "Some (residents) pound chilli at 5am and don't realise HDB's walls are very thin, so it would be good if HDB could hand out a welcome kit listing the dos and don'ts of HDB living as well as a contact list of grassroots groups for the newbies," said Sembawang MP Dr Lim Wee Kiak.
One benefit of the unit is complaints could be directed to a dedicated department, possibly unburdening MPs from day-to-day issues, analysts told MediaCorp. It would also have the resources and organisational capacity to connect Singaporeans and newcomers, said Associate Professor Ho Khai Leong of the Nanyang Technological University.

The downside is if this is seen as another top-down approach, garnering a less receptive response from Singaporeans, said analysts.
Singapore Management University law lecturer Eugene Tan suggested the department be tasked to gather data and recommend policy. "Since 80 per cent of Singaporeans live in HDB, the potential for increased understanding or misunderstanding is there, should a large group of newcomers (move in). The HDB could be scanning the horizon before it becomes a big issue."
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