HDB announced earlier that 4 blocks in Ang Mo Kio are up for the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS). The new replacement flats are apparently at Ang Mo Kio Drive.
Affected residents are not happy about this, as they will need to top-up money to get a replacement flat. The flats may even be of a smaller size.
In response, the HDB announced that eligible owners can choose to purchase new flats with a shorter lease (50 years). Alternatively, they can also opt for a lease buyback scheme.
This response shows that they don’t understand the residents’ issue with SERS at all.
National Development Minister Desmond Lee emphasized that residents will not have to top up money if they choose to take up the 50-year lease.
“To some of them, a brand new 99-year term may be less important than a similar-sized flat in a familiar locality… a 50-year lease would be more affordable and with a lease term around the same as the balance lease of their current flat”
Desmond Lee
However, it is evident that he does not understand the residents’ concerns. These residents never asked for new flats – their flats are only 43 years old. Most of the elderly have also gotten used to living there.
Moreover, what he forgot to think about the time and money residents have to put in for a new flat. This includes renovation and moving fees which can come up to quite a hefty sum.
In a viral video circulating on WhatsApp, residents were seen expressing their anger with being selected for SERS. Minister Desmond Lee appears to be in the video, trying to comfort the residents. Does his appearance really help?
