Singapore — After three attempts to repair a rusty door frame, an HDB resident complained about the continuing rust problem, and many others could relate to what he was going through.
Kelvin Neo posted his concern on the Facebook page Complaint Singapore on Thursday (Dec 2), highlighting that he had first reported the rusty door frame issue in 2018 within the defect liability period of the flat.
“This BTO (Build To Order) was built by your contractor Qingjian Group and repaired three times”, in August and November 2018 and February 2019, said Mr Neo.
Despite three repair attempts, the issue wasn’t resolved.
Mr Neo said in the post that he was informed by an HDB Woodlands branch officer on Nov 25, 2021, that they couldn’t provide any solution and time frame to resolve the issue.
“See for yourself how good is this door frame provided by HDB,” said Mr Neo, attaching photos showing the rusty parts.
His complaint has attracted more than 150 comments, so it definitely looks like this is an issue that other HDB residents also relate.
“Same issue as mine! Your side, shower near the door right? My other toilet has no issues cause the toilet bowl is at the door side. Only master room toilet got this issue cause toilet bowl is not at the door side. I am still waiting for Town Council or HDB to get back to me till now,” said Facebook user Pearlin Lim WS.
“My BTO in Boon Lay also had this issue. Called the town council guy to come and check. He said my one year warranty up already, so can’t do anything,” shared a Facebook user.
“He also advised me that I shouldn’t keep the place wet. It’s a freaking toilet. How can it not be wet?”
The resident said he was told that a pipe behind the wall could be leaking, which would need to be addressed using personal funds.
“I’ve since sold that flat and moved into a 37-year-old flat in Bukit Batok. No issues!” the netizen added.
Another resident wrote, “Haaa same issue, la. Got maintenance in to service also no use cause kena again. Paid so much for a home but this kinda quality we get. Can’t wait to have these metal door frames hacked down and changed to the frames and bifold door newer BTO flats are getting.”
Meanwhile, Facebook user Arthur Lim provided a possible solution: Hammerite paint, which is “tolerant to poorly prepared ferrous surfaces”, according to the Dulux paint website. “Scrape off the rusty parts and repaint with Hammerite three to four layers. It’s really effective against rust. I’ve tested it.”
“You are not alone,” commented Facebook user David K K Kwan, who offered another workaround. “I heard someone sandpaper the rust away, cover and patch unevenness with white cement and paint it to waterproof it.”
Another comment on Facebook made by Steven Lim touched on the current quality of public housing in Singapore.
“Really don’t know what happened in our Singapore? What I know last time our HDB house is not like now. And now time HDB flat is so expensive but the quality is ready bad. Hope our Singapore government take note on it. Remember we pay for few hundred thousand to buy a sweet home, is not a problem home… very sad to hear and see this issue happen again.”
The Independent Singapore has reached out to HDB for clarification on the issue. /TISG
Read related: HDB’s slow service highlighted by homeowner in complaint about leaking bathroom pipe