- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
- Messages
- 33,627
- Points
- 0
Posted on 21 Dec 2009
Shoddy construction of Geylang temple frustrates and worries devotees
Members of a Buddhist association in Geylang are extremely upset with the shoddy construction of their temple, saying that the place is full of cracks and unsafe to be in.
Although the building was completed in August last year, it was full of faults, with visible cracks on every level.
STOMPer Emmeline, who is also a trustee of the association, says that the building is not sturdy and has been this way since last year despite numerous complaints made.
She wonders how this reflects Singapore's standards in construction and if the work done on this building is acceptable by legal standards.
Emmeline says via telephone:
"We are a temple located at Geylang and have been facing this problem since last year.
"We relocated from Alexandra and went built a new place in Geylang but since it was completed, the devotees have been very unhappy.
"I have tried to call the architects but their response is very slow.
"Till now, there is little progress.
"The whole place has cracks on every level. It looks worse than a broken house.
"Since completion, we haven't been able to progress with our activities. For instance, we can't even put up the Ten Thousand Buddha in the temple.
"I don't think it's safe, frankly speaking. When the workers had to remove a staircase, I saw sand pouring out in just one knock.
"It's really a shock. How come we can have contractors and architects who can produce this kind of construction work?
"Cracks and holes all over and materials that does not coincide with what was agreed. They are also unable to provide reports.
"As Singapore progresses, I don't think this is acceptable.
"Singapore is efficient in every aspect and yet this is the kind of construction work we are met with.
"It's really a great disappointment. Perhaps it's time for the authorities to take a serious view on all contractors and architects."
Three hours after this article was first published, STOMPer Emmeline received a note that the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) was to be withdrawn as the building did not meet safety requirements.
She says:
"We just received a call from our architect with this update: Your TOP might be withdrawn due to non-safety compliance.
"We are very, very upset.
"How can the authorities approve an unsafe building with the TOP? Is the Architect Sleeping or what? Is he professional?
"Now we may have to vacate the place and wait for further actions from all parties.
"Is this the so-called professionalism and ethics that we try to promote in Singapore?
"More and more questions come into our minds as we move along this journey."
Click on thumbnails for larger image
Keywords: shoddy work
Shoddy construction of Geylang temple frustrates and worries devotees
Members of a Buddhist association in Geylang are extremely upset with the shoddy construction of their temple, saying that the place is full of cracks and unsafe to be in.
Although the building was completed in August last year, it was full of faults, with visible cracks on every level.
STOMPer Emmeline, who is also a trustee of the association, says that the building is not sturdy and has been this way since last year despite numerous complaints made.
She wonders how this reflects Singapore's standards in construction and if the work done on this building is acceptable by legal standards.
Emmeline says via telephone:
"We are a temple located at Geylang and have been facing this problem since last year.
"We relocated from Alexandra and went built a new place in Geylang but since it was completed, the devotees have been very unhappy.
"I have tried to call the architects but their response is very slow.
"Till now, there is little progress.
"The whole place has cracks on every level. It looks worse than a broken house.
"Since completion, we haven't been able to progress with our activities. For instance, we can't even put up the Ten Thousand Buddha in the temple.
"I don't think it's safe, frankly speaking. When the workers had to remove a staircase, I saw sand pouring out in just one knock.
"It's really a shock. How come we can have contractors and architects who can produce this kind of construction work?
"Cracks and holes all over and materials that does not coincide with what was agreed. They are also unable to provide reports.
"As Singapore progresses, I don't think this is acceptable.
"Singapore is efficient in every aspect and yet this is the kind of construction work we are met with.
"It's really a great disappointment. Perhaps it's time for the authorities to take a serious view on all contractors and architects."
Three hours after this article was first published, STOMPer Emmeline received a note that the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) was to be withdrawn as the building did not meet safety requirements.
She says:
"We just received a call from our architect with this update: Your TOP might be withdrawn due to non-safety compliance.
"We are very, very upset.
"How can the authorities approve an unsafe building with the TOP? Is the Architect Sleeping or what? Is he professional?
"Now we may have to vacate the place and wait for further actions from all parties.
"Is this the so-called professionalism and ethics that we try to promote in Singapore?
"More and more questions come into our minds as we move along this journey."
Click on thumbnails for larger image
Keywords: shoddy work
