“Like this can meh?” — Netizens point out multiple dangers from cluttered HDB corridor

A photo of a Housing and Development Board (HDB) common corridor filled with plants and other items on both sides got netizens pointing out the multiple dangers the area poses for the nearby residents.

“Like this can meh?” asked a Facebook page Complaint Singapore member on Sunday (May 22), with a photo of a shared corridor in Block 466 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. To the left of the photo were cardboard boxes, piles of newspapers and buckets, among other belongings, while plants covered the parapet wall to the right.

Netizens quickly commented that the passageway must be cleared for safety purposes.

“Think need space for medical stretcher to pass through,” noted Facebook user Manban Cheng.

“Selfish people, never think of others. If an emergency ambulance stretcher wants to pass the passageway to save a life, then how? Also need space in case of fire. Firemen need the space for it,” added Facebook user Jin Tin Teo.

One netizen noted that the constant moisture on the cement floor from the potted plants could lead to mosquito breeding, while another observed that the amount of rubbish poses a fire hazard.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to the Ang Mo Kio for a statement.

According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), a minimum clear escape passage of 1.2m clearance must be maintained from the parapet wall where the shoe rack is allowed.

If the common corridor is less than 1.2m wide, no objects are to be placed.

“Excessive storage of combustibles, installation of fixed laundry rack at the common corridor and anything that can obstruct emergency crew access is not permitted,” notes SCDF.

The common corridor is for the sole purpose of keeping shoes, whereby it would not constitute a substantial fire load, adds SCDF. /TISG

Neighbour puts flower pots in front of HDB service risers and block others’ path