<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD height=8></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgtxt><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Whose duty is it to enforce renovation rules?
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->MY NEW neighbour and his contractor have repeatedly broken the rules regarding renovation works.
The notice of renovation works was posted outside the HDB flat for work carried out on weekdays from 8.30am to 6pm from July 21 to Aug 28.
First, their renovation works resulted in damage to the outside utility door. Second, each day, the contractor would leave rubbish along the common corridor and lift landing. Third, residents had to deal with loud noises from the hacking, knocking and drilling even over the weekends.
When I reported the matter to the Housing Board on Sept 5, I was told it was expected that renovation works would be unpleasant, and that the renovation had been extended to Sept 9. I was then given the name of an officer to contact for further inquiries. That officer did other checks and informed me that no rules were broken.
Subsequently, the renovation continued after the deadline had passed and I contacted the West Coast Town Council to report the noise pollution and possible unapproved renovation. I was told to contact the Essential Maintenance Service Unit (EMSU) instead.
Over at EMSU, a staff member outlined the areas of responsibility: For corridor cleanliness, I should seek out the town council. For matters relating to HDB contractors, I should seek out HDB. On further checking, EMSU found that the HDB unit in question was not in their listing for renovation. As such, it was not under their purview.
Next, I called the Jurong West Police station regarding the noise pollution on a Saturday. The police were helpful and the noise stopped when officers visited the flat.
But over the next two weekends, the renovation resumed in full force. My family's rest during the Hari Raya holiday was ruined. I hope the relevant authorities will look into whose responsibility it is to enforce the rules governing renovation works on HDB flats.
Wong Kong Mong
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->MY NEW neighbour and his contractor have repeatedly broken the rules regarding renovation works.
The notice of renovation works was posted outside the HDB flat for work carried out on weekdays from 8.30am to 6pm from July 21 to Aug 28.
First, their renovation works resulted in damage to the outside utility door. Second, each day, the contractor would leave rubbish along the common corridor and lift landing. Third, residents had to deal with loud noises from the hacking, knocking and drilling even over the weekends.
When I reported the matter to the Housing Board on Sept 5, I was told it was expected that renovation works would be unpleasant, and that the renovation had been extended to Sept 9. I was then given the name of an officer to contact for further inquiries. That officer did other checks and informed me that no rules were broken.
Subsequently, the renovation continued after the deadline had passed and I contacted the West Coast Town Council to report the noise pollution and possible unapproved renovation. I was told to contact the Essential Maintenance Service Unit (EMSU) instead.
Over at EMSU, a staff member outlined the areas of responsibility: For corridor cleanliness, I should seek out the town council. For matters relating to HDB contractors, I should seek out HDB. On further checking, EMSU found that the HDB unit in question was not in their listing for renovation. As such, it was not under their purview.
Next, I called the Jurong West Police station regarding the noise pollution on a Saturday. The police were helpful and the noise stopped when officers visited the flat.
But over the next two weekends, the renovation resumed in full force. My family's rest during the Hari Raya holiday was ruined. I hope the relevant authorities will look into whose responsibility it is to enforce the rules governing renovation works on HDB flats.
Wong Kong Mong
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