MND revealed that HDB is working with various agencies on mitigating measures to reduce the length of delay, including securing exemptions “to allow less noisy construction activities to be carried out on Sundays and public holidays where possible”.
About 85% of the ongoing Build-To-Order (BTO) projects have been delayed by around six to nine months beyond the Estimated Completion Dates (ECDs) originally indicated to buyers during project launches, revealed the Ministry of National Development (MND) in Parliament on Monday (5 April).
It was responding to MP Yeo Wan Ling’s question on the number of Housing and Development Board (HDB) projects that were delayed due to the pandemic.
In its written reply, the ministry said construction works at all 89 ongoing BTO projects have resumed after the circuit breaker period last year.
“However, project timelines have been affected due to the circuit breaker period, strict safe management measures put in place for work at construction sites to resume, and global supply chain disruptions and manpower shortages within the construction industry,” it said.
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It noted that the extent of delay varies by project, depending on site-specific factors like materials supply, manpower availability and the contractor’s performance.
On MP Darryl David’s question on how HDB is managing the construction backlog of BTO flats that were delayed due to the pandemic, MND revealed that HDB is working with various agencies on mitigating measures to reduce the length of delay, including securing exemptions “to allow less noisy construction activities to be carried out on Sundays and public holidays where possible”.
“HDB is closely monitoring the construction progress of all BTO projects and will work with contractors to meet the revised completion dates,” said the ministry.
On measures taken to help individuals and families affected by the delay, the ministry said that affected flat buyers are progressively updated by HDB on the revised completion dates via letters as well as the My HDBPage as construction progresses.
“Those unable to find alternative housing arrangements in the interim with family members, relatives or on the open market may contact HDB for assistance,” it noted.
As at end of February 2021, about 43,000 affected households have been updated by HDB on the delay. Of these, about 240 households were assisted with Interim Rental Housing flats.
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Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this story, email: victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
