MPs welcome action by HDB
Good idea to get feedback from residents before any upgrading works
By Ang Yiying
A resident waiting for the lift on the fourth floor of Block 716, Bedok Reservoir Road. The new lift (on the left) does not have a display panel at every lift landing, indicating which floor the lift is currently on, unlike the old lift (on the right). -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
MOST Members of Parliament yesterday welcomed the HDB's move to reverse its decision on leaving out floor-indicator panels for its Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP).
But some said the U-turn showed that more consultation should have been done before future upgrading projects are undertaken.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan, MP for Marine Parade GRC, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for National Development and Environment, said the HDB was probably trying to help residents save costs. But it was right that it reviewed the situation when the feedback was not positive.
He said: 'I suppose the learning point is really more consultation, checking with the (lift upgrading) working committee or residents if things are considered frills or basic necessities.'
HDB, to save costs, initially decided to have the panels only at the lobby. Lift landings elsewhere in the block were fitted only with displays that showed arrows pointing upwards or downwards that would light up before a lift arrives.
Ms Lee Bee Wah, deputy chairman for the committee and MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, said her residents did not face the lift issue. But she added: 'We need to strike a balance between cost savings and residents' needs.'
Other MPs on the committee also weighed in on the issue.
Mr Liang Eng Hwa, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, added: 'From this incident, it will be worthwhile to invest time and resources to survey the preferences of the residents before upgrading works.'
Madam Ho Geok Choo, MP for West Coast GRC, felt that HDB had taken a prudent approach to be cost-effective from the start. But it was also important that it remained flexible enough to fine-tune along the way. She said its latest step 'signifies a very positive response' and that it was being 'responsive to residents'.
But the issue of electronic display panels is not the only gripe among lift upgrading complaints.
At Eunos Road 5, blocks 411, 415 and 417, where external lift shafts are being constructed, some residents have been taking on the HDB since they found out in 2006 where the shafts will be sited - directly facing their units, which they say will block off some light and air.
The shafts are now up, and in the latest development, some residents from affected units are now part of a working committee giving feedback to project consultants still looking into a design solution that will address their concerns.
Dr Ong Seh Hong, the MP for the precinct, could not be reached for comment yesterday but had said in an earlier interview that the incident was a learning process for the parties involved.
Eunos Village residents' committee chairman Rahmat Sawie, 56, who is part of the LUP working committee for the area, was for more consultation: 'Even if it's a slight issue, we should still consult.'
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