National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan is roping in members of the public and market players for solutions to some of the inconveniences of HDB living.
Some inconveniences cited are: putting out the laundry to dry, which can be dangerous; and rain coming in from under the front doors of HDB flats when there are strong winds.
In his latest blog entry, Mr Khaw said he has asked Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan to lead the initiative.
A sum of money will be set aside to fund the promising ideas.
They will be piloted in some flats and assessed by the users themselves. For example, Residents Committees (RCs) can assemble residents and maids to test out the ideas and evaluate them.
If the ideas are found to be practical, they can be replicated in other estates.
Mr Khaw said that where relevant, the ideas can also be included in new housing codes and tender specifications for new building projects.
He said that to be useful, the ideas “must be buildable and maintainable”.
And if done well, they can bring so much benefit to so many people.
While the HDB has a research unit – the Building Research Institute – which is tasked to look at problems and come up with innovative solutions, Mr Khaw feels the ministry can also tap on the expertise and creativity of the public.
He said Mr Lee will be inviting volunteers, inventors, academics and practical people to contribute to this cause.
Mr Khaw hopes to have some early wins.
He said anyone with ideas can get in touch with Mr Lee at http://www.facebook.com/leeyishyan.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 6 Jun 2011