Is the Home Improvement Programme really necessary?

My precinct recently polled to have the Home Improvement Programme .

The free package includes the repair of cracked ceilings and a change of pipes, sink, etc. The toilet floor must pass the leak test or it will be hacked together with the wall tiling.

I feel that government monies could be spent more prudently, as some households have already had their homes renovated, possibly in a certain decor, with their sinks and tiles still in good condition.

These must be replaced by standard decor if at least 75 per cent votes in favour of the HIP for a block. What a waste of resources.

The toilet leak test is redundant. The neighbour below would make a report if a toilet above is leaking and the Housing and Development Board does co-share part of these repair costs where appropriate, with both neighbours splitting the cost.

Toilet floors should not be hacked unless there is a leak or the owner wants the renovation. If the main pipes leak, the town council already takes responsibility.

The HIP also causes inconvenience. Residents would need to take leave for the renovation and clean up the dust each day for two weeks. Asthmatics would still suffer.

We would also need to go downstairs to use a toilet, a real stress for those with renal problems. A temporary toilet could be installed in the flat, but this depends on feasibility.

Moreover, some of the HIP works may not be done properly due to mass production in a short span of time. If an owner sells his flat in time and the buyer does not like the HIP decor, renovations are done again.

Finally, some poll officers are not impartial and would like us to vote "yes". Some illiterate residents do so, when they had wanted to vote "no".

Given the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme, if the HDB feels that some blocks are too old, it could relocate the residents and, thereafter, fully renovate the old blocks and resell them in the market.

Surely the public would buy flats in mature estates and which they could move into without doing much renovation.

Alternatively, HIP works could be offered without polling. Residents could approach the HDB or their town council when repair needs arise. We should not choose to renovate just because it is free.