IMPACT OF MAIN UPGRADING PROGRAMME ON SOCIAL COHESION AT PRECINCT LEVEL : A CASE STUDY

Abstract

With Singaporeans' growing affluence and aspirations to improve their lifestyle, HDB faces new challenges to meet these needs. It tries to fulfill the aspirations of the flat owners and makes the designs for the public housing estates comfortable which in turn, promotes the nurturing of cohesive neighbourhoods. This is important since the ties among neighbours form the primary level of the society. The foundation has to be strong before this sense of social cohesion can be spread to the higher levels that allow the proper functioning of the country. One of the missions HDB has set is to formulate and implement housing policies and programmes that foster cohesive communities. The Main Upgrading Programme is also not an exception. It is hope that the level of social cohesion in the precinct level can increase due to the enhanced environment. The residents feel that the activeness of the neighbourhood, intensity of neighbouring and friendliness of neighbours are important factors in promoting the social cohesion among the neighbours. In view of this, there should be more social activities organized in the upgraded estates. It will help to improve the social effects of MUP.