I REFER to the letter, "Prioritise lift upgrades for blocks with seniors" (my paper, Oct 23), by Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan Haji Sahban.

The Housing Board will continue to actively explore innovative and cost-effective solutions so that more blocks can become eligible for the lift-upgrading programme (LUP).

HDB has reduced the number of blocks that are not eligible for lift upgrading from 1,000 blocks in 2001, when the
LUP was introduced, to just 200 blocks today.

In the nomination of precincts for lift upgrading by town councils, the needs of the elderly and disabled residents are some of the factors that town councils may consider.

HDB will take them into consideration when selecting blocks for the LUP.

HDB will keep up with the accelerated pace to complete the LUP for all eligible blocks by 2014.

The Government will also continue to heavily subsidise the LUP to make it affordable for residents.

For example, lessees in three-room flats need to co-pay only 5 per cent of the upgrading cost.

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

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