SINGAPORE: The Government will continue to review its policies to improve the safety of building structures and facades as well as benchmark against high-rise buildings in other cities to identify areas for improvement, said Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong in Parliament on Monday (Nov 7).
Mr Wong was responding to several MPs who raised concerns over the safety of residents following incidents which saw a concrete structure giving way in Tampines and a wall feature falling off an HDB block in MacPherson in recent months.
Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, said Mr Wong, adding that the full investigation reports by the appointed Professional Engineers will be ready in due course.
To ensure the structural integrity of the HDB buildings, Mr Wong said there is a Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) regime in place and town councils should ensure that buildings are regularly checked for structural defects. Where necessary, a qualified person will be appointed to follow up on the repairs.
The Periodic Structural Inspection is conducted every 10 years for residential buildings and every five years for other building types.
For older HDB blocks, inspections are done every five years. HDB will also selectively do inspections annually on the blocks’ building facades, said Mr Wong.
“Safety of buildings is of paramount importance. This includes not just structural safety, but also of other building features such as facade fittings,” said Mr Wong as he encouraged residents to report any defects or potential issues to the relevant authorities. “Everyone has a role to play in ensuring a safe living environment.”
MP for Aljunied GRC Low Thia Khiang asked what are the guidelines HDB has in place in designing HDB building facades and if there any guidelines for the materials used in construction.
Mr Wong responded that HDB is always looking at improving its design, its guidelines, the way it builds. “HDB makes sure it uses quality materials and uses materials and methods that are reliable and safe.”
He added: “If you look at the way that it has been done progressively over the years, I can say for sure that the methods have improved, and the materials are more reliable and our buildings are safer than before.”
