I REFER to the letter by Leong Sze Hian, "No option to vote no to flat upgrading" (The New Paper, 11 Feb).

The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) comprises two components: Optional and Essential Improvements.

Flat owners may opt out of the former with a corresponding cost reduction.

Essential Improvements, which are for public health, safety or technical reasons, are fully funded by the government.

Similar to the other upgrading programmes, support from at least 75 per cent of the eligible flat owners at the poll is still required for HIP to proceed.

Flat owners can opt out of the Optional Improvements and pay only their share of those improvements that they want.

The programme, which was introduced following recommendations made by the Forum on HDB Heartware, actually offers residents more choices, flexibility and affordability.

In surveys conducted after its announcement, 98 per cent of the respondents have expressed support for HIP.

Chee Kheng Chye
Deputy Director (Upgrading Programmes
Management) for Director (Development &
Procurement) Housing & Development Board