Poor performance sees lift firm Sigma barred from HDB tenders since 2015
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — The maker of Sigma lifts, which make up nearly 15 per cent of the 24,000 public housing lifts here, has been suspended from tendering for new contracts since Oct 2015, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has revealed.
This was due to the company’s failure to meet deadlines amid a higher than normal breakdown rate of its lifts recently, HDB added. Responding to media queries, the housing authority said Sigma lifts, one of about 20 different brands found in HDB estates, have been installed in flats here since 2007. Its performance has been comparable to other brands.
“However, in the recent round of lifts installed by Sigma, there was a higher than usual breakdown rate in the first year of operation. HDB’s investigation revealed that most of these breakdowns were the result of the alignment of lift doors or lift sensors, resulting in the doors of these lifts being more sensitive to knocks and rough use. This led to higher breakdowns during the initial period of usage, which typically see heavy lift usage due to renovation and moving activities,” the HDB said.
In addition, Sigma was previously unable to fully adhere to the timeline of lift installation for certain projects, so the HDB restricted it from tendering for new HDB projects from October 2015, “so that Sigma could focus on completing the installation of lifts and improving the performance of the installed lifts under its current contract”.
This is in line with the HDB’s procedure to restrict poor performing contractors from tendering for new HDB projects, so that they can focus their resources on fulfilling their ongoing contract obligations. Where necessary, the HDB can also exercise contractual rights which may include imposition of liquidated damages and debarment from all public sector works.
As for the lifts that have had been experiencing breakdowns, the HDB said that Sigma has been working to rectify the issues, and the works for all the lifts are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Lift safety came into the spotlight after a spate of accidents in HDB lifts last year, one of which left an elderly man dead when he fell while exiting from a lift that did not stop at level with the ground.
The Building and Construction Authority last July implemented more stringent lift maintenance standards, and the Government also announced a S$450 million Lift Enhancement Programme in September the same year to install safety features in public housing lifts.
The HDB said it selects lift contracts through open tenders based on considerations such as the past performance of the lift contractor in supplying and installing the lifts, as well as the contractor’s track record and financial capabilities.
The appointed contractors are required to install the lifts and test them in accordance with the prevailing lift code and regulations. After the installation, the lifts are also subject to independent checks by an Authorised Examiner - a Professional Engineer who is registered with MOM - to ensure that the lift is safe and fit for use.
Sigma is owned by American conglomerate United Technology Corporation (UTC), and over the last 10 years, their lifts have met HDB’s performance requirements, said the HDB.
“HDB takes a serious view on the performance of lift contractors and lifts, and our immediate priority is to resolve the inconvenience these faults and breakdown cases have caused residents. HDB will continue to do its utmost to ensure that Sigma takes prompt actions to resolve all problems with its lifts,” the board said.
