TODAY Online : Housing and Development Board faces 3 key challenges

Housing and Development Board faces 3 key challenges

05:55 AM Jan 28, 2010

by Joanne Chan and S Ramesh joannechan@mediacorp.com.sg

SINGAPORE - Public housing in the 21st century must evolve to meet changing needs, according to National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan.

And the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will face three key challenges: Shifting demographics, ageing estates and a need for sustainable development.

On emerging population trends that will shape future housing policies, he said: "With globalisation and changing demographics, we also see an increasingly affluent population with a growing international outlook and rising expectations. Through immigration, the population is rising and becoming more diverse with different needs."

These changes will require not only greater integration efforts but may prompt other lifestyle changes and, thus, increased expectations of what public housing can provide.

Mr Mah was speaking yesterday at the opening of the International Housing Conference in Singapore.

Singapore's ageing society may require further innovations in housing policies or building design, he also said, highlighting the second challenge: The steadily ageing profile of HDB flats and towns. There will be an urgent need to upgrade, redevelop and rejuvenate older estates to keep them relevant and vibrant.

The third consideration was the need to minimise the impact of growth on the environment and to use resources efficiently. This will contribute to Singapore's overall quest to provide a green and healthy living environment, through careful long-term planning.

Mr Mah said that environmental, economic and social sustainability have been major and constant considerations in the design of HDB towns and flats. "Design guidelines are developed to take into account Singapore's tropical climate. The choice of materials, design and construction methods are also carefully considered, as they have major bearings on buildability, resource consumption and future maintenance requirements," he said.

In the past half century, the HDB has garnered significant international recognition, including the United Nations Public Service Award.

And while new challenges may shape housing policies differently in the future,Mr Mah said the core mission of HDB remained unchanged: Providing Singaporeans with affordable quality homes and building cohesive communities.

He urged the HDB to continue its pursuit of sustainable public housing for the next 50 years and beyond.