To ensure the objectives and policies of public housing are preserved, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) should intervene directly with the developer of Trivelis, rather than let each of the residents make their own claims (“500 DBSS flat-buyers up in arms over finished product”; May 14).
The Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) was introduced on the premise of developers having to bid for the land tender and take charge of the entire process, from design and construction to sale.
While the scheme means the HDB is not the builder, DBSS housing is still public housing, with the HDB setting the eligibility conditions, restrictions and so on. It must also mean private developers must adhere to the prevailing public housing guidelines, including those concerning the build quality.
Under the DBSS, the HDB’s role should be similar to that of the pro term committee of a strata title private condominium. This means the private developer will hand over the entire development to the HDB for lease administration and the town council for maintenance of common areas and car parks. The HDB should help buyers liaise with the private developer regarding defects as a regulator, instead of as a proxy.
If the DBSS is ever revived, the HDB should look at this episode and pick up lessons, including on how to protect buyers’ interests, and how to address complaints effectively.
Perhaps the HDB could consider seeking a bankers’ guarantee or performance bond amounting to 20 per cent of the tender price or make developers buy insurance to cover defect liabilities.
