Singapore delegation shares experience of improving public housing at municipal affairs meeting

A delegation from Singapore's Aljuneid Town Council arrived in Abu Dhabi and common municipal issues and areas for further cooperation in projects and facilities management were discussed at a meeting, hosted by His Excellency E Ahmed Shareef, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipal Affairs.

Ms. Phua was accompanied by senior executives of the Al Juneid council and the council's facilities management.

Also present at the meeting and representing the municipalities of Abu Dhabi were His Excellency Jouma Junaibi, General Manager Abu Dhabi Municipality, His Excellency Awad Darmak General Manager of Al Ain Municipality and His Excellency Hamod Al Mansoori General Manager of Western Region Municipality.

Ms. Phua informed the meeting of the importance the Singapore government has placed on ensuring affordable and well maintained public housing which is provided to residents and has led to the formation of Town Councils in Singapore. Eighty percent of Singaporeans live in government provided housing and Town Councils.

Previously all public housing was provided and maintained by the Singapore Housing Development Board under a centralized system. Now the councils have the responsibility of ensuring all aspects of the provision and maintenance of housing keeps pace with the community and social needs of an expanding yet ageing population. This means that Town Councils have to develop strategies to involve the residents in community life and council decision making process.

His Excellency Ahmed Shareef explained, the Abu Dhabi government's strategic agenda that has led to the formation of the Department of Municipal Affairs and the creation of Abu Dhabi's new municipal system. His Excellency Shareef praised the Singapore experience and the national housing program. He noted in particular the use of private contractors to manage facilities maintenance on behalf of Town Councils.

'These strategies are worthy of further investigation by us as we explore the best way to improve our public housing throughout the Emirate,' H.E. Shareef said.

His Excellency Shareef assured the Singapore delegation of the willingness of the Department of Municipal Affairs to continue cooperation in this area and advised that a strong delegation from the DMA and the municipalities would participate in the World Cities Summit 2008 in Singapore from 23-25 June 2008.