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A BRAND new dormitory - the largest purpose-built one here with 8,000 beds - officially opened its doors to foreign workers at Jalan Papan in Jurong yesterday.
Among other things, the dorm - Avery Lodge - has a gym, hair salon and medical clinic, as well as cable-television sets in each unit.
It has 486 units, each with a living room, dining room and kitchen.
Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong, who was the guest of honour at its official opening, said the dorm "underscores the Government's commitment to ensuring an adequate supply of proper housing for the foreign workers here".
He said: "Proper housing is good not just for workers, but also for business. Workers with proper housing are more likely to be well-rested, productive and motivated."
Mr Basireddy Mahesh Reddy, 38, who has been living at Avery Lodge for 20 days, is delighted with his new home.
The steel fitter from India used to live at Jurong Penjuru Dormitory, which puts 18 people in a room.
Now, he lives in his new room with 13 people. "I'm very happy, (as) the room is very good. It is bigger and nicer, and has tiles and a toilet," he said.
Bangladeshi Monir Hussein agreed. The 24-year-old pipe fitter said he liked the dorm for its good facilities.
"I like the gym because I want to exercise and make my body look good," he said.
Still, the improved facilities come at a price. A check with other dorms such as the Toh Guan Dormitory and Blue Stars Dormitory showed that rates per worker were between $130 and $150 a month, while Avery Lodge charges $180 for each worker.
Mr Kevin Song, director of Jemix Engineering, who has about 150 workers at Avery Lodge, said the higher costs were worth it.
"It's a reward for them. When they are put in a nice (living) area, they rest well and can start work better. They don't fall sick that often too, so productivity is up," he said.
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