SINGAPORE: In the weeks leading up to the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) polls for Tiong Bahru’s Seng Poh estate, residents were anxious about whether their Housing and Development Board blocks would qualify for the highly subsidised upgrading scheme.
As with all HIP projects, at least 75 per cent of eligible Singapore Citizen households must vote in favour before works can proceed – and every vote counts.
Residents Clarence Soh and Robin Loi spent months explaining the value of HIP, a taxpayer-funded initiative that tackles maintenance issues in ageing flats, such as spalling concrete.
“We went door to door to contact them, to understand their feelings,” said Mr Loi, 70.
There are compelling reasons to vote yes – common areas and ageing facilities in the block can be repaired for the health and safety of all residents, and much needed works can be done within the ageing flats at a subsidised cost.
