The Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) have announced the selection of more than 53,000 HDB flats for upgrading under the latest phase of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). These flats, spread across various estates including Jurong West, Hougang, Woodlands, and Pasir Ris, will benefit from comprehensive upgrades aimed at improving living conditions. The government has allocated over $742 million for this initiative.

Singapore's Home Improvement Programme (HIP) has been a cornerstone in the nation's public housing policy, aimed at enhancing the living conditions of older Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to maintaining the quality of public housing, ensuring it meets contemporary standards of comfort and safety.

About the Home Improvement Programme (HIP)

The HIP was initially introduced to address the needs of flats built up to 1986 that had not undergone the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP). This initial phase targeted approximately 320,000 eligible flats, focusing on essential upgrades to enhance safety and livability. Recognizing the success and necessity of the programme, the government extended the HIP in 2018 to include another 230,000 flats constructed between 1987 and 1997. This extension expanded the scope of the HIP, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improving the living environment of Singaporeans residing in older public housing estates.

Launched in 2007, the HIP addresses maintenance issues in older flats, such as spalling concrete and ceiling leaks, which arise from natural wear and tear. The programme is structured into two main components:

1. Essential Improvements: These are fully funded by the government for Singapore Citizen households and focus on ensuring the structural and safety needs of older flats are met.

• Repair of Spalling Concrete: Aimed at addressing structural issues, this involves repairing any concrete that may have deteriorated over time, ensuring the safety and durability of the buildings.
• Replacement of Waste/Soil Discharge Stacks: This component ensures that the plumbing systems are updated and functional, preventing leaks and other issues that could arise from outdated systems.
• Replacement of Pipe Sockets with New Clothes Drying Racks: Modernising amenities, this upgrade provides residents with more practical and safer solutions for drying clothes.
• Upgrading of Electrical Load: This is crucial for modern living, allowing residents to use a higher number of electrical appliances safely and efficiently.

2. Optional Improvements: These offer additional enhancements at a heavily subsidized rate, with households paying as low as 5% of the cost, depending on the flat type. This allows flat owners the flexibility to choose improvements that suit their preferences and needs.

• Upgrading of Existing Toilet(s)/Bathroom(s): This option offers residents the opportunity to modernize their bathrooms, enhancing comfort and aesthetics.
• New Entrance Door and Grille Gate: This improvement not only boosts the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the security of the flat.
• New Refuse Chute Hopper: This upgrade ensures better waste management within the residential units.

Scope and Impact of HIP

To date, about 410,000 flats have been selected for HIP, with approximately 370,000 already upgraded. The government has invested around $4 billion in the programme since its inception.

Enhancements in Spalling Concrete Repairs

One of the common issues in older flats is spalling concrete, particularly in areas exposed to high moisture levels like toilets. This is typically due to the corrosion of steel reinforcement bars within the concrete. Under HIP, repairs for spalling concrete are part of the Essential Improvement works.

This year, the HDB is introducing a new Corrosion Resistant Repair (CRR) method, specifically for spalling concrete in toilets. The CRR method aims to significantly reduce the recurrence of this issue. It involves:

1. Removal of Loose Concrete and Cleaning of Steel Bars: Similar to current practices, loose concrete is removed and rust is cleaned from the exposed steel bars.
   
2. Anti-Corrosion Coating: An anti-corrosion coating is applied over the exposed rebars to create a protective layer.

3. Corrosion-Retardant Coating and Bonding Agent: A new step involves applying a corrosion-retardant coating to the entire toilet ceiling, followed by a bonding agent to enhance the adhesion of the coating to the concrete. This comprehensive approach is designed to protect against future corrosion.

4. Final Coat of Paint: To finish, a coat of paint is applied to the repaired area.

The CRR method has been tested in a trial involving over 300 flats, and sample checks have shown no further spalling in the repaired areas.

Ongoing Commitment to Residents' Well-being

HDB remains dedicated to improving the comfort and safety of its residents. By continuously exploring and implementing innovative solutions, HDB aims to enhance the livability of its estates and flats, ensuring that Singaporean households enjoy a better quality of life.

Financial Aspects and Government Subsidies

One of the most appealing aspects of the HIP is the financial support provided by the government, which significantly subsidises the cost of improvements. For Singaporean citizen households, the Essential Improvements are fully funded by the government. This full subsidy ensures that all eligible households benefit from the critical safety and livability enhancements without financial burden.

For the Optional Improvements, the government provides a substantial subsidy, covering between 87.5% and 95% of the cost, depending on the type of flat. This leaves the residents to pay only a small fraction, typically between 5% and 12.5% of the total cost. This financial structure makes the HIP accessible and affordable, encouraging participation and uptake among eligible households.