Housing and Development Board

Housing and Development Board
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Name	Housing and Development Board
Formed	1 February 1960
Jurisdiction	Government of Singapore
Headquarters	HDB Hub, Toa Payoh
Chief1 position	Chairman
Chief2 position	Chief Executive Officer
Parent department	Ministry of National Development
Website	www.hdb.gov.sg

Housing and Development Board. The Housing and Development Board is the statutory board responsible for public housing in Singapore. Established in 1960, it has transformed the nation's urban landscape, providing affordable homes for the vast majority of the resident population. Its work encompasses town planning, estate management, and the creation of integrated communities, playing a central role in Singapore's social and economic development.

History

The board was established on 1 February 1960 under the Housing and Development Act 1959, succeeding the Singapore Improvement Trust. Its formation was a key policy initiative of the newly elected People's Action Party government led by Lee Kuan Yew, aiming to solve a severe housing shortage. Under the leadership of its first chairman, Lim Kim San, the board embarked on an ambitious building program, constructing over 50,000 flats in its first five years in areas like Queenstown. This rapid construction helped resettle residents from overcrowded kampongs and squatter settlements. The landmark Home Ownership for the People Scheme in 1964 allowed citizens to purchase their flats, fostering a sense of asset-based citizenship. Major projects continued through the decades, including the development of Toa Payoh and later, the planning of entire regional centres like Woodlands and Tampines.

Overview

As Singapore's public housing authority, the board manages over one million flats across the island, housing about 80% of the resident population. Its developments are organized into self-contained towns, each with residential precincts, commercial hubs, and recreational facilities. These towns are integrated with the island-wide Mass Rapid Transit network and major expressways like the Pan Island Expressway. The board's work is guided by the long-term planning framework of the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Its model is internationally studied for its success in promoting social cohesion, home ownership, and high-density living, contributing significantly to Singapore's stability and the policies of the Ministry of Finance's Central Provident Fund system.

Functions

The board's primary functions are the planning, development, and sale of public housing. It designs and builds new housing estates, often through contracts with major construction firms like Sembcorp and Keppel Corporation. It administers the sale of new flats through Build-To-Order exercises and manages the resale market for existing units. Another key function is the maintenance and upgrading of older estates through programs like the Home Improvement Programme and the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme. The board also provides rental flats for lower-income households and manages commercial and industrial properties within its towns. It works closely with other agencies such as the National Parks Board and the Land Transport Authority to create green spaces and transport infrastructure.

Organisation

The board operates as a statutory body under the purview of the Ministry of National Development. Its leadership comprises a chairman and a board of directors, with day-to-day operations headed by a chief executive officer. The organisation is structured into various groups handling building, estate management, corporate development, and policy. Key operational arms include the Estates and Properties Group and the Building and Research Institute. It also collaborates with grassroots organizations like the People's Association and town councils, such as the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, for local governance and community programs.

Developments and Projects

The board is responsible for Singapore's public housing towns, from early estates like Bukit Merah to newer ones like Punggol and Sengkang. Major ongoing projects include the development of Tengah, planned as a "Forest Town" with extensive green corridors. It also undertakes significant redevelopment projects, such as the remaking of the Dawson Estate in Queenstown and the Bidadari estate. Iconic projects include the Pinnacle@Duxton, a landmark 50-story public housing development, and the eco-precincts in Yuhua. The board continuously innovates with construction methods, employing prefabrication technology and exploring smart town concepts in collaboration with the Government Technology Agency.