HDB greenery includes growing vegetables at ground level
WE REFER to the letter from Mr Vincent Wong, 'HDB rooftops can be our farmlands' (my paper, May 7).
HDB has been integrating more greenery in our housing estates by introducing innovative measures such as roof-top greening on the top deck of some multi- storey carparks in our new housing projects.
It has been very well-received by residents as it provides a pleasant green space for community activities.
When introducing such new measures, we need to consider the impact on the community and residents' safety and health.
On the cultivation of vegetables on HDB rooftops, the safety and security of the residents would be of concern as there are service facilities such as lift motor- rooms, water tanks and pipes, on the rooftops of existing buildings.
Furthermore, the existing rooftop structures are unable to take on additional weight from the cultivation.
Given these considerations, agricultural cultivation should ideally be done on the ground level without compromising the safety, security and health of the residents.
In some of our HDB estates, HDB has set aside areas in the precinct at the ground level to be used as community gardens where residents grow spices, herbs and vegetables.
We thank Mr Wong for his feedback.
Dr Johnny Wong
Deputy Director (Sustainability & Building Research)
for Director (Building Technology Department) Housing & Development Board
