What is the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP)?
Launched in 2001, the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) was implemented to address the lack of lift access on every floor in older Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. The programme specifically targets flats constructed before 1990, which were not initially designed to accommodate lifts on each floor.
Its primary objective is to retrofit these buildings with the necessary infrastructure to provide lift access on every level.
How does the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) work?
The following are the steps involved in the LUP:
- Identifying HDB blocks in need of lift upgrading
When determining which blocks require lift upgrading, several factors are taken into account:
- Age of the block
- Residents’ requirements
- Feasibility from a technical standpoint
- Cost considerations
- Polling residents within the selected HDB precinct
If your precinct is selected for the LUP, the following steps will be followed:
- A poll will be conducted among residents.
- An exhibition will be held during the polling exercise to showcase lift upgrading proposals and plans.
- All eligible households, with at least one Singapore citizen flat owner, must participate in the poll to indicate their support for the LUP.
- For lift upgrading to proceed in your block, a minimum of 75% of eligible households with Singapore citizen owners must vote in favour of the programme.
- Implementing the lift upgrading project
The lift construction process typically involves several stages, including detection and diversion works, micro-piling, lift shaft installation, and upgrading existing lifts.
- Payment of upgrading costs
The costs associated with the lift upgrading project must be paid at this stage.
How much does the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) cost?
As part of the programme, HDB determines the technical and economic viability of installing new lift shafts and lifts. These upgrades receive substantial subsidies from the government. The Town Council also contributes a portion of the remaining cost. The remaining cost is shared among the flat owners who will benefit from the lift upgrades, with a maximum contribution of S$3,000 (subject to GST). The actual cost varies based on the flat type and block configuration.
It is worth noting that the subsidies provided are exclusively available to Singaporean Citizens. Singapore Permanent Resident households must bear the full cost of the upgrades without subsidies. However, if a flat owner obtains Singapore Citizenship within one year of the billing date, they may be eligible for reimbursement of the upgrading subsidy.
The information provided was accurate at the time of publication. For the latest changes and updates, head over to the official websites.
