2. BETTER MAINTENANCE OF OLD ESTATES
Despite the relative agedness of many residential estates in the GRC, the majority of residents approached by CNA TODAY were satisfied with their cleanliness and maintenance.
Those who were not, they talked about various troublesome spots.
For instance, several residents living at the Housing and Development Board (HDB) block next to Joo Chiat Complex said that the lift that takes them up to their flats “breaks down on a weekly basis”.
One of them, 36-year-old communications manager Tan Wan Yi, said that she has found herself stuck in the lift three times since July last year.
Some residents living in blocks 35 and 36 of Chai Chee Avenue said that the ceilings of the toilets in their flats have been showing cracks since a few years ago and they were concerned.
Ms Roziza Sahni, a 46-year-old housewife who lives in Chai Chee, pointed to the garbage area of her housing block, which has “too many cockroaches”.
Elsewhere in Marine Parade, residents in different estates said that they were concerned about the “pigeon problem” that has been reported in other parts of the country as well.
Further up north in Serangoon Central, residents living in blocks 418, 419 and 420 said that there had been frequent cases of “illegal disposal” at the central rubbish disposal point and skip tanks, the large metal containers to collect rubbish, located in between their blocks.
They also said that they often have to put up with the loud noises that come with the dumping and dismantling of large, bulky items, as well as the unpleasant smell that emanates from the area, especially on hot and humid days.
They recalled that there was a fire that broke out there several years ago at the rubbish disposal point, which caused them much distress.
When contacted, the Marine Parade Town Council said that it was aware of these issues and is working on them.
Regarding the lifts, it said that some past breakdowns were due to misuse, such as users wedging items to keep the doors open or the repeated impact from trolleys and prams, leading to damage.
The town council has rolled out a card access system, restricting lift usage at the HDB block to only residents, which it said has significantly reduced lift jams and improved waiting times.
To maintain cleanliness in and minimise odours at the Braddell Heights estate, the town council has increased clearing frequency and stepped up enforcement efforts to deter illegal dumping, it said.
It has also limited dismantling works to specific hours to mitigate noise disturbances to residents, it added.
As for the pigeon-related matter, the town council has educated the public on the consequences of pigeon feeding, frequently cleaned affected areas and conducted monthly pigeon-trapping operations.
“We remain committed to providing a clean, safe and well-maintained environment for all residents,” the town council stated.
3. FREE SHUTTLE BUS FOR MARINE PARADE CLUSTER’S RESIDENTS
There was positive feedback, however, about the free shuttle bus service that was started by the constituency’s MPs.
The service, for residents living in Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC and Mountbatten SMC, offers seven routes within these areas and takes them to amenities such as polyclinics, hawker centres and MRT stations.
