In 2004, the HDB introduced the façade repairs co-payment scheme where HDB would fund façade related repairs and reimburse Town Councils for repair works done to damaged façades of HDB blocks. This was increased to 75% for blocks with brick cladding and some metal fixtures under a special enhancement programme that runs from 2023 to 2028 for blocks with a higher risk of façade failure.
However, water seepage that eminates from the block façade into a resident's unit is not covered by any co-funding scheme. As the HDB stock continues to age, the prospect of water seepage, especially from the façade of older blocks anecdotally appears to be on the rise. Would the HDB reach out to assist Town Councils through the façade repairs co-payment scheme to allow for the inclusion of claims to be made for water seepage cases that originate from the block façade?
