The Housing Development Board (HDB) has announced the completion of the last of five Build-To-Order (BTO) projects delayed due to the bankruptcy of construction company Greatearth. As of September 30, residents had collected keys for 534 out of 659 units at the West Coast ParkView project in Clementi.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee expressed gratitude to residents for their patience and understanding during this challenging period, noting that HDB prioritized the completion of residential blocks. While the majority of units are ready, some common areas and facilities are still under construction and are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

Originally scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2023, the project faced delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent liquidation of Greatearth in 2021, which affected a total of 2,982 units across five projects. Other impacted developments included Sky Vista @ Bukit Batok, Senja Heights, Senja Ridges in Bukit Panjang, and Marsiling Grove in Woodlands.

HDB has managed to keep the delays to between two and twelve months for most projects, despite the earlier setbacks. Construction halted in August 2021 after Greatearth faced financial difficulties. New contractors were appointed by the end of September 2021, with work resuming in October.

HDB’s Chief Executive Tan Meng Dui acknowledged the inconvenience caused to flat buyers and thanked both residents for their patience and construction partners for their efforts in completing the projects with quality and safety.

Among those who recently collected keys is Richard Yong, 71, who expressed his relief at finally receiving his new three-room flat after initial disappointment over Greatearth’s failure. Although some commercial areas are still unfinished, residents are optimistic about their new homes, given the proximity to amenities.

HDB anticipates completing works on the remaining common areas in the fourth quarter of 2023, continuing their commitment to fulfill housing needs amid challenges posed by the pandemic and contractor issues. Minister Lee also noted that HDB aims to complete nearly 75% of projects delayed by the pandemic by early 2025.