A DETAILED list of HDB precincts whose estates were improved with such features as covered linkways, barbecue pits and community gardens was given in Parliament on 23 November.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan gave them in a written reply to the opposition MP Low Thia Khiang (Hougang) who had asked, among other things for the precincts that were upgraded.

Between 1993 and 2001, a total of 190 precincts were selected for the Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP).

It caused the Government $4,000 per flat.

In 2002, the IUP for flats built between 1981 and 1986 was replaced by a combination of the IUP and the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP).

Known as IUP Plus, the budget was $2,400 per flat, excluding the cost for lift upgrading.

In all 84 precincts were picked for IUP Plus from 2002 to 2006.

However in 2007, the IUP Plus was replaced by the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, which groups a few precincts together for upgrading.

Targeted at blocks built in 1989 or earlier, the renewal programme with its bigger budget, makes it possible to consider such features as tennis courts and skating parks.

No opposition precincts were selected for these upgrading programmes.

However, in July this year, the two opposition wards of Hougang and Potong Pasir were told the LUP would be offered to them.

Last month, one precinct of roughly 10 blocks in each of the two wards was selected for the LUP, which puts a lift landing on every floor.

It was a shift in position by the Government, which had said after the 2006 General Election that opposition wards would be placed “ at the end of the queue” for the LUP.