Introduction

In a significant milestone, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore has successfully completed all 92 Build-to-Order (BTO) projects that were delayed due to the pandemic, with the last two projects wrapped up this month. This announcement was made on January 20, highlighting the resilience and hard work of the local construction sector.

New Flats Ahead

As the nation continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19, HDB is poised to unveil about 17,000 new flats across 27 upcoming projects within the next year. Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, acknowledged the challenges faced during the pandemic, particularly the unprecedented work closures and supply chain disruptions that led to what he termed a "long-COVID" impact on construction.

Final Stages of Punggol Point Cove

The final two delayed projects were part of the Punggol Point Cove development. The completion of this project saw the construction of 1,179 units spread over several residential blocks. Notably, five of the six blocks were completed by the end of last year, while the last block saw delays of around 12 months before its final completion. A total of 657 households, about 59 percent of the booked units, have already received their keys.

A Promising Year Ahead

In 2024, HDB reported that over 18,000 flats were completed in 22 BTO projects, which included both pandemic-delayed and timely projects. This strong recovery in construction shows health in the sector, as projects like Alkaff Breeze and Champions Bliss managed to stay on schedule. The diverse strategies implemented to ensure minimal delays, such as improving contractor oversight and utilizing technology for better project tracking, have been pivotal.

Dealing with Delays and Project Quality

Currently, there are 110 BTO projects under construction, an increase from 95 just a year ago, indicating HDB's commitment to ramping up housing supply. Minister Lee also addressed the issue of contractors being terminated from projects, assuring that lessons learned from the pandemic will lead to improved project management and coordination moving forward.

For residents experiencing issues in their new flats, avenues for addressing problems are in place, with HDB officials working closely with contractors to resolve any complaints regarding construction quality. The government emphasizes the importance of delivering quality homes while ensuring that defects are promptly addressed, as they have successfully completed around 80,000 homes over the past five years.

Conclusion

As Singapore moves forward, these developments not only aim to provide housing solutions but also reflect a broader effort to adapt and innovate amidst the challenges presented by the post-pandemic landscape. Are you ready for new opportunities in your housing journey? Stay tuned as HDB continues to roll out more projects!