SERS receives strong support from residents

SERS receives strong support from residents

    By S Ramesh
    POSTED: 19 Dec 2013 15:37

The latest survey of HDB residents who were offered the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) showed continued strong support for the scheme.

SINGAPORE: The latest survey of HDB residents who were offered the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) showed continued strong support for the scheme.

Of the 628 households from five projects who participated in the survey, 87 percent expressed support for SERS.

Most of the residents surveyed were happy that SERS allowed them to continue living in the same estate close to their long-time neighbours.

Almost all households expressed a strong sense of belonging to their town and estate.

HDB said this affirms one of SERS' objectives -- which is to preserve the close community ties built up over the years, as the community moves en bloc to their new flats.

Seventy-two percent of those surveyed reported no change in their family life after SERS.

In fact, another 24 percent of households said their family life improved, attributing it to the new flats and a better living environment.

HDB said the survey findings reaffirmed the popularity of SERS among the residents, adding that this was not surprising as SERS offers many attractive benefits. These include a new home with a fresh 99-year lease at a subsidised price, a modern living environment, and financial concessions to ease cash flow and facilitate relocation.

The latest survey was conducted from October 2012 to December 2012, and the majority of households stayed in 3-room and 4-room flats before SERS.

HDB said many subsequently upgraded to bigger replacement flats, with seven in 10 now residing in 4-room and 5-room flats.

Writing on his Facebook page, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said: "SERS is not only about creating new hardware. We make a conscious effort to develop the heartware by keeping community ties strong.

"After all, many kids grew up together in HDB estates and have forged lifelong friendships. Through careful planning, SERS enable residents to continue to live near their neighbours in a better environment."

SERS is part of the government's Estate Renewal Strategy for older public housing estates.

- CNA/al

- wong chee tat :)