Give SMEs a larger slice of the flat-building pie

Source : Straits Times – 14 Jul 2009

I REFER to last Thursday’s report, ‘HDB to offer at least 8,000 new flats’.

I applaud this drive, which is good news to both new flat applicants and the construction industry, which is feeling the brunt of the economic downturn with dwindling works.

However, I would like to know if the increased crop of HDB flats will be tendered and built via the GeBIZ government procurement scheme under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme. If so, it is likely these new works will be contracted to larger building consultancy firms registered under the higher category of the Public Sector Panel of Consultants, eliminating opportunities for smaller architectural and engineering firms to participate.

I suggest HDB consider tendering these 8,000 new flats in smaller contract values that will allow small and medium-sized consultancy firms to participate. This not only acts as a revenue source for these firms, but also allows a wider range of ideas to inject more variety and creativity into public housing.

I hope both the Ministry of National Development and HDB will consider this suggestion, and professional bodies will offer their views as well.

Ivan Tan