• Town Councils were formed in 1989 under the Town Councils Act, which allows elected Members of Parliament to work with residents in managing the common property in housing estates. Members of Parliament have the authority and responsibility to manage Housing & Development Board (HDB) residential estates under the Single Member Constituencies or Group Representation Constituencies which they are elected to, while residents can also participate in decision-making processes. The participation of both parties enables each town to develop its distinctive characteristics, while building a sense of identity among residents.
• The first Town Council was established in Ang Mo Kio Town. Town Councils were implemented across Singapore in three phases from mid-1989 to mid-1991. Currently, there are 17 Town Councils across the island.
• Town Councils handle a wide range of tasks, including regular maintenance and upgrading of common property in the housing estates. They are also responsible for managing the estate’s finances.

Sembawang Town Council will invest S$33 million to replace 280 lifts for 135 blocks of flats over the next two years at no cost to the residents. This exercise will benefit 12,600 households. (Lianhe Wanbao, 9/8/2018)