New home-fix scheme to help needy families in Jalan Kayu
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (right) celebrating Jalan Kayu Day with residents yesterday. Photo: Jason Quah
SINGAPORE — A new initiative in Jalan Kayu constituency, targeted at low-income families who need help to improve their living conditions, has been rolled out.
It is called project Home@JK, and under this programme, each eligible household will be given S$2,000 worth of fittings, furnishings or minor repair works where needed.
The initiative was launched yesterday by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Jalan Kayu Day 2016.
A total of S$42,000 was raised by five sponsors, and with the seed funding, 21 households stand to benefit, said Member of Parliament Intan Azura Mokhtar, an adviser to the Ang Mo Kio grassroots organisations, at the event.
So far, the initiative has helped two households, whom Mr Lee visited yesterday.
Dr Intan noted that “simple” furnishings, fittings or repair works may not be covered by existing national schemes.
The Housing and Development Board’s Home Improvement Programme, for instance, helps residents resolve common maintenance problems that ageing flats face, such as spalling concrete.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Intan added that such national schemes do not cover issues such as repainting of the flat or replacing broken windows or furniture, which Home@JK will, along with adding new furnishings in the households.
The other households eligible for the initiative will be identified by grassroots leaders and community partners during the weekly block visits, said Dr Intan.
“Of course, we need to engage them a little bit further because we need to find out exactly what are the areas in which they need help and where we can come in under Home@JK to help them,” she added.
As to whether the initiative will be expanded to the entire Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency, she said: “Let’s take it one step at a time first, and let’s roll it out to our Jalan Kayu residents and see how the response is.”
