EVALUATION OF THE MAIN UPGRADING PROGRAMME IN ANG MO KIO

Abstract

Over the years, the demand for public housing has changed drastically. The need for a basic shelter has become a thing of the past. With growing affluence, Singaporeans aspire for better quality housing accommodation. As the older HDB estates begin to lose their quality edge, residents (especially the younger ones) start moving out from their existing flats. The problems associated with this phenomenon have raised the concern of the Singapore government. Thus, the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) was introduced to address this concern by improving the overall standard of old public housing estates in Singapore. This paper highlights the problems faced by households in the building stage of the MUP. However, it is found that despite the inconveniences encountered, the majority of residents are pleased with the programme which has improved their living environment. The findings also reveal that residents' responses vary due to differences in the socio-economic characteristics. In addition, it is noted that households' decision to move are based on many other considerations, some of which may not be resolvable by refurbishment alone. Nevertheless, the MUP will be effective in stemming the out-migration of residents if they are generally satisfied with their existing estates.