I REFER to the letter, 'Lift upgrading: Count only 'yes' and 'no' votes' by Mr Fok Kah Hon (ST, Sept 25).
Under HDB's Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP), the flat owners who want the programme must vote 'Yes' for it. Once the threshold of 75 per cent 'yes' votes for a block is achieved, all benefiting households in that block, will have to co-pay a small proportion of the total costs. As such, absence from voting, which is considered a 'no' vote, does not affect the counting of the affirmative votes.
This way, for blocks that proceed with the LUP, all are assured that the LUP for their blocks has attained at least the 75 per cent support level.
Once a precinct is announced, circulars and newsletters are sent to residents at various stages to keep them informed and updated. Closer to the polling period, residents will also receive the LUP brochure and a circular stating the voting period and venue. Eligible voters who do not turn up to vote during the polling period are personally reminded to do so before polling closes. Those who are unable to vote at the polling station can appoint another person as proxy to vote on their behalf.
Lift upgrading is costly and polling and co-payment are means to assure voter support before proceeding. For blocks offered the LUP, voter participation has been consistently close to 100 per cent. This shows residents understand the importance of voting and want their decision counted in.
Tay Boon Sun
Senior Public Relations Officer
for Director (Corporate Development)
Housing & Development Board
