TODAY Online : 'Singaporeans don't mind living near old folk

'Singaporeans don't mind living near old folk'

05:55 AM Jan 13, 2010

by Alicia Wong

SINGAPORE - Is it true that younger Singaporeans do not want to live in estates where studio apartments for seniors predominate, asked Nominated Member of Parliament Paulin Straughan in Parliament yesterday.

In response, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development (MND) Grace Fu said that Singaporeans have "come to accept" the integration of different segments of Singaporeans in HDB estates.

"We would not want to see an enclave of elderly and elderly only, so I think it will be part and parcel of every Singapore resident staying in HDB estates to see various income segments, age group, as well as family or career background staying together."

Giving an update on the Multi-Generational Living Scheme (MGLS) in HDB's SkyTerrace@Dawson - which pairs studio apartments with four- and five-room flats so extended families can live together in adjacent units - Ms Fu said the scheme closed with 408 applications for the 65 paired units on Dec 28. The MND will study the scheme to decide if it should be extended to future projects.

Currently, the HDB encourages young couples to live near their parents, by doubling their chances when they ballot for a new flat. Those buying a resale flat can apply for a higher CPF housing grant of $40,000.

Associate Professor Straughan, who noted that inter-generational living in separate but adjacent households seems "to be the ideal living arrangement", asked if the MND has further initiatives to promote this option, and what the response from older Singaporeans is.

Ms Fu said the Government provides standalone studio apartments and studio apartments adjacent to regular flats to give Singaporeans "choices".

The MND's survey shows some elderly prefer to live on their own, a "big proportion" prefer to stay with their children, while others prefer living in a familiar area.

The "common theme that cuts across these options", Ms Fu added, "is that we do not want to see isolation of the elderly." She also clarified the scope and responsibility of different stakeholders over common issues such as estate maintenance and killer litter, in response to questions from MP Denise Phua (Jalan Besar).

While HDB will rectify defects in new flats during the one-year defects liability period, the town councils are responsible for their estate's cleanliness, maintenance and upkeep. Government agencies will step in when necessary, for instance "when nation-wide consistency is critical or where the consequences of non-compliance with rules are severe", she said.