Tag Archives: Bukit Panjang

HDB figures put perceptions in perspective

Posted on 8 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on HDB figures put perceptions in perspective

High number of BTO applications does not equate to urgent housing need

Slightly more than half of first-timer applicants invited to book a flat under HDB’s Built-To-Order system between May 2008 and June 2009 did not book a flat, although this rejection rate is lower than before HDB refined its BTO application process in May last year.

That fine tuning saw HDB removing first-timer priority for those who had turned down two chances to select a flat.

Ninety per cent of flats in each BTO project are set aside for those who have first-timer priority.

HDB issued figures yesterday to debunk the perception that a high number of applications for BTO projects equates to urgent housing need, given the relatively still high rates of rejections by first-time applicants.

The average rejection rates furnished by HDB yesterday refer to BTO flats in non-mature estates, where the vast majority of such flats are located, and exclude studio apartments. HDB’s figures yesterday showed that between March 2007 and March 2008, before the application process was refined, 9,088 or 67 per cent of the 13,605 first-timer applicants invited to make their selection did not book a flat. Between May 2008 and June 2009, the rejection rate had fallen to 52 per cent or 6,747 of the 13,080 first-timer applicants invited.

The rejection rate for first-half 2009 has declined to 45 per cent. Continue reading →

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When a market is also a community chat stop

Posted on 3 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on When a market is also a community chat stop

I REFER to Wednesday’s report, ‘Wet markets’ buyout causes upset’. Supermarket chain Sheng Siong bought over five wet markets in Choa Chu Kang, Serangoon, Bukit Batok West and Bukit Panjang, much to the dismay of heartlanders.

Wet markets are supposed to be places for residents to buy the freshest food at the lowest price possible. Each stall is managed by a stall owner, who has the right to give his customers the best and also take control of his selling price. Now wet markets will be replaced by Sheng Siong, goods will be sold to consumers at a fixed price. Residents in the neighbourhood are unhappy over higher prices and less variety of food.

Closure of the wet markets will also affect the unemployment rate. Stallholders are usually middle-aged or older. They may suffer from structural unemployment. Unlike previous contracts, new ones may allow termination. Usually less educated than the younger generation, stall owners tend to sign without realising they may have to leave in less than three months. Furthermore, some stallholders said they would have difficulty finding another stall at other wet markets. I feel for the stallholders as they are just trying to earn a living on their meagre income.

Wet markets are good places for residents to mingle and talk with other residents and stallholders. Residents feel comfortable and very much at home as they haggle amid the noise and familiar surroundings of wet markets they have patronised for years. Strong friendships were forged over the years as customers supported the stallholders. Continue reading →

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