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http://www.tremeritus.com/2015/08/11/hdb-quality-scores-of-new-flats-rising/
[h=2]HDB: Quality scores of new flats ‘rising’[/h]
August 11th, 2015 |
Author: Editorial
With the GE looming, HDB has stepped forward to say that the Conquas scores
of new HDB flats have been “steadily rising”.
Conquas is the acronym for Construction Quality Assessment System whose score
reflects the overall workmanship quality. The higher the Conquas score, based
upon 100, the better the workmanship. The Conquas score also takes into account
of structural, mechanical and electrical works.
HDB said that the average Conquas score for its flats has increased from 65.7
in 1989, to 88.6 last year. Since 2008, the Conquas scores for public housing
projects have been above 81, HDB added.
MND also came out to support HDB indicating that the higher scores are the
result of “a robust framework of quality assurance and checks that the HDB has
put in place”.
But residents are not convinced.
Andy Tan, a resident at Trivelis, which has a Conquas score of 87.1, said,
“This is very surprising, because my flat definitely had defects like scratches
on the floor tiles before I moved in. I’m not sure how thorough the checks
are.”
Another resident, Y.P. Chew, 28, who bought a BTO flat in the Kallang area,
said, “It’s good to know that on average, workmanship is of better quality, but
that said, it’s of no comfort if my flat contains defects. I would be worried
(about) getting the defects resolved in good time.”
“Flooding” at Punggol Waterway Terraces HDB BTO flats
Last month, residents at the new Punggol Waterway Terraces BTO flats had to
endure rain water seeping into their flats from a heavy downpour. Not only that,
lift alarm was triggered waking everyone up (‘3000+ Punggol residents fed up with their BTO flats‘).
Resident, Johnny Chiang of Blk 308A had to write the following letter to
their PAP MP Janil Puthucheary highlighting the problems the residents are
facing with their BTO flats:
Sir, I trust that everything is good and well on your side. It is with a
heavy heart I Pen this issue on behalf of 3000+ residents because very obviously
– Everything is NOT going well for the residents of Waterway Terraces 1.
Apart from the previous issues including the 4 pipes placed awkwardly etc
which we did not get much resolution from.
Last night’s heavy downpour had caused several issues for many of us.
At approx 2 am rain started pouring in and it seeped into the homes of many
of our residents.
This was accompanied by the ringing of lift alarm which woke most residents
up. The Fire brigade were activated by our residents because we had to ensure if
it was a no duff situation then help was rendered.
Yes I agree that when mother nature decides to make her point, there isnt
much anybody can do. But it also sets many of us wondering why many of our homes
came with so much flaws.
BSC has not been the best source of resolutions.
I tag you here on social media on considerations for your administrators,
because if we were to all write in, you would receive tons of the same
email.
For one, I do not believe in 200 emails to make a point across and sincerely
seek your understanding on our intentions and voices together with much
frustrations.
I now invite all the affected residents to post their images and videos of
the happenings last night and request that your good self, Our Honourable MP
respond with your opinions.
Yours sincerely
Johnny Chiang
On behalf of my neighbours of blk 308A
And residents
affected by the issues
This was not the first time news of defects in Punggol Waterway Terraces
surfaces. In June, sociopolitical site The Online Citizen reported [Link]
a BTO flat owner of Punggol Waterway Terraces, Adrian Chong, complained that the
contractors who were supposed to fix the reported defects in his flat, ended up
creating even more defects.
Mr Chong noted that his parquet flooring got worse after the contractors
tried to rectify some defects. A defective pipe was left unchanged. New defects
kept appearing each day as the contractors tried to resolve old problems.
“Considering the amount we paid for the flat, we did not expect to see such
bad defects or bad workmanship. Water pressure of the tap, shower head and
toilet flushing were also weak. Timber skirting around the house were also
painted with white paint making it looked so cheapskate,” lamented Mr Chong on
the quality of the furnishings.
He added that as a flat owner, the minimum expectations are to provide his
family a unit that is free from defects and good enough to live in comfortably.
This is especially so considering the fact that at Punggol Waterway Terraces, a
3-room flat ranges from $186,000 to $237,000 while a 5-room flat costs between
$374,000 and $458,000.
Other netizens wonder why older HDB flats did not seem to have so many
problems.
Desmond Lee also says quality of HDB flats going up
Minister of State for National Development and MP for
Jurong GRC, Desmond Lee
Last month, Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee, who is
the son of former PAP cabinet minister Lee Yock Suan, told the House that the
quality of BTO flats undertaken by HDB has actually improved.
He also cited the CONQUAS score showing that the quality of BTO flats has
improved. “It (quality) continues to rise and is comparable to that in private
developments,” he claimed.
He said that the majority of complaints with regard to the defects in new BTO
flats are about “surface imperfections” such as hairline cracks on walls,
scratches on timber floor, or uneven tile joints.
“Such imperfections are mostly within acceptable industry norms and these are
also common in private developments. They can and should be rectified quickly by
the contractors, and do not affect the structural integrity or safety of the
building.”
Mr Lee argued that sometimes, it’s due to “differences in the understanding
of what constitutes a defect”.
“For example, some owners have given feedback on colour inconsistencies for
floors with timber finishes. As timber is a natural product, it is not possible
to achieve a perfectly homogenous look,” he said.
Do you agree with HDB and Desmond Lee that quality of HDB flats has actually
improved?
[h=2]HDB: Quality scores of new flats ‘rising’[/h]
August 11th, 2015 |
Author: Editorial
With the GE looming, HDB has stepped forward to say that the Conquas scores
of new HDB flats have been “steadily rising”.
Conquas is the acronym for Construction Quality Assessment System whose score
reflects the overall workmanship quality. The higher the Conquas score, based
upon 100, the better the workmanship. The Conquas score also takes into account
of structural, mechanical and electrical works.
HDB said that the average Conquas score for its flats has increased from 65.7
in 1989, to 88.6 last year. Since 2008, the Conquas scores for public housing
projects have been above 81, HDB added.
MND also came out to support HDB indicating that the higher scores are the
result of “a robust framework of quality assurance and checks that the HDB has
put in place”.
But residents are not convinced.
Andy Tan, a resident at Trivelis, which has a Conquas score of 87.1, said,
“This is very surprising, because my flat definitely had defects like scratches
on the floor tiles before I moved in. I’m not sure how thorough the checks
are.”
Another resident, Y.P. Chew, 28, who bought a BTO flat in the Kallang area,
said, “It’s good to know that on average, workmanship is of better quality, but
that said, it’s of no comfort if my flat contains defects. I would be worried
(about) getting the defects resolved in good time.”
“Flooding” at Punggol Waterway Terraces HDB BTO flats
Last month, residents at the new Punggol Waterway Terraces BTO flats had to
endure rain water seeping into their flats from a heavy downpour. Not only that,
lift alarm was triggered waking everyone up (‘3000+ Punggol residents fed up with their BTO flats‘).
Resident, Johnny Chiang of Blk 308A had to write the following letter to
their PAP MP Janil Puthucheary highlighting the problems the residents are
facing with their BTO flats:
Sir, I trust that everything is good and well on your side. It is with a
heavy heart I Pen this issue on behalf of 3000+ residents because very obviously
– Everything is NOT going well for the residents of Waterway Terraces 1.
Apart from the previous issues including the 4 pipes placed awkwardly etc
which we did not get much resolution from.
Last night’s heavy downpour had caused several issues for many of us.
At approx 2 am rain started pouring in and it seeped into the homes of many
of our residents.
This was accompanied by the ringing of lift alarm which woke most residents
up. The Fire brigade were activated by our residents because we had to ensure if
it was a no duff situation then help was rendered.
Yes I agree that when mother nature decides to make her point, there isnt
much anybody can do. But it also sets many of us wondering why many of our homes
came with so much flaws.
BSC has not been the best source of resolutions.
I tag you here on social media on considerations for your administrators,
because if we were to all write in, you would receive tons of the same
email.
For one, I do not believe in 200 emails to make a point across and sincerely
seek your understanding on our intentions and voices together with much
frustrations.
I now invite all the affected residents to post their images and videos of
the happenings last night and request that your good self, Our Honourable MP
respond with your opinions.
Yours sincerely
Johnny Chiang
On behalf of my neighbours of blk 308A
And residents
affected by the issues
This was not the first time news of defects in Punggol Waterway Terraces
surfaces. In June, sociopolitical site The Online Citizen reported [Link]
a BTO flat owner of Punggol Waterway Terraces, Adrian Chong, complained that the
contractors who were supposed to fix the reported defects in his flat, ended up
creating even more defects.
Mr Chong noted that his parquet flooring got worse after the contractors
tried to rectify some defects. A defective pipe was left unchanged. New defects
kept appearing each day as the contractors tried to resolve old problems.
“Considering the amount we paid for the flat, we did not expect to see such
bad defects or bad workmanship. Water pressure of the tap, shower head and
toilet flushing were also weak. Timber skirting around the house were also
painted with white paint making it looked so cheapskate,” lamented Mr Chong on
the quality of the furnishings.
He added that as a flat owner, the minimum expectations are to provide his
family a unit that is free from defects and good enough to live in comfortably.
This is especially so considering the fact that at Punggol Waterway Terraces, a
3-room flat ranges from $186,000 to $237,000 while a 5-room flat costs between
$374,000 and $458,000.
Other netizens wonder why older HDB flats did not seem to have so many
problems.
Desmond Lee also says quality of HDB flats going up
Minister of State for National Development and MP for
Jurong GRC, Desmond Lee
Last month, Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee, who is
the son of former PAP cabinet minister Lee Yock Suan, told the House that the
quality of BTO flats undertaken by HDB has actually improved.
He also cited the CONQUAS score showing that the quality of BTO flats has
improved. “It (quality) continues to rise and is comparable to that in private
developments,” he claimed.
He said that the majority of complaints with regard to the defects in new BTO
flats are about “surface imperfections” such as hairline cracks on walls,
scratches on timber floor, or uneven tile joints.
“Such imperfections are mostly within acceptable industry norms and these are
also common in private developments. They can and should be rectified quickly by
the contractors, and do not affect the structural integrity or safety of the
building.”
Mr Lee argued that sometimes, it’s due to “differences in the understanding
of what constitutes a defect”.
“For example, some owners have given feedback on colour inconsistencies for
floors with timber finishes. As timber is a natural product, it is not possible
to achieve a perfectly homogenous look,” he said.
Do you agree with HDB and Desmond Lee that quality of HDB flats has actually
improved?
