Housing residents in an HDB flat within an HDB community, with access to HDB estate facilities is preferred over dormitory-type temporary housing.
The latter may not be suitable for family-based households.
National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said this in a written parliamentary reply, in response to Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Zaqy Mohamad.
Mr Zaqy had asked if the government will consider easing the short-term demand for HDB rental housing by providing temporary lodging, similar to those built for foreign worker dormitories until the new rental flats are completed.
Mr Khaw said currently, there are 1,900 applicants on the HDB rental flat waiting list.
The average waiting time has been shortened to five months.
He said as the government ramps up the supply of rental flats, it’ll be able to clear the outstanding demand while meeting demand from new applicants.
Those in the rental queue who urgently need temporary housing can be offered an HDB flat under the Interim Rental Housing Scheme.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 18 Jan 2012