MEET OUR NEIGHBOURS

 

Did you know that more than 80 percent of Singaporeans live in public housing flats in residential blocks? Every neighbourhood is a multiracial community. 

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A BIT OF HISTORY

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During the colonial days, the majority of the population in Singapore lived in overcrowded shophouses in the centre of the city or in kampongs, villages of wood-and-atap houses.  During the election campaign for self-government in 1959, the People's Action Party promised to improve the physical living conditions of Singaporeans. After it was elected to parliament, it established the House and Development Board (HDB), to develop modern housing for the people.

 

The HDB began with building basic rental flats, but quickly moved to develop government-subsidised larger flats. By the mid-1970s, the overcrowding in the shophouses was solved and people living in kampongs were resettled into HDB flats. 

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Today more than 80 percent of Singaporeans live in public housing flats in well-planned housing estates that provide services for the everyday life of residents of all ages. Every housing estate is well served with public transport, including MRT, public schools, polyclinics, public library, social and recreational facilities, small shops and large shopping malls, hawker centres and 'wet markets' for fresh food. Every neighbourhood has its own children's playground - and exercise facilities for older citizens!

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