Passing through the eighth-storey HDB corridor of Block 101 in Pasir Ris may prove to be an arduous task as a flat owner has filled the area with potted plants. The plants are feared by one neighbour to be a major fire threat.
With the corridor dark and shadowy, a neighbour posted her complaint on Stomp last week saying that the plants – which are located near the block’s two staircases – are a fire hazard.
“It’s a fire hazard, the walkway is very narrow, and the escape route in the event of an emergency is blocked,” said the neighbour.
She revealed that the plants have been in the area since she moved into her unit 11 years ago.
Meanwhile, neighbours that The New Paper spoke to shared that they are not inconvenienced by the plants.
A next-door neighbour said he is friendly with the middle-aged woman who owns the plants.
“She maintains the plants, and they don’t grow into my area,” noted the 20-year-old neighbour, who wanted to be identified only as Mr HQ.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the plants may be a hazard in case of an emergency and may prove to be a hassle when moving past if he is carrying large objects.
Another neighbour said she has no issue with the plants since she does not use the stairs much.
A Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council spokesman revealed that the resident concerned had been advised by the town council on several occasions to refrain from putting too many items or potted plants in the common area, reported The New Paper.
Upon receiving the advisories, the owner removed some of the items and potted plants along the corridor and staircase landing, said the spokesman.
The spokesman added that the town council takes a serious stance on obstruction within the common areas as they prevent the use of such areas.
Such obstructions may also be fire hazards and could hamper evacuation in case of emergencies.
See other property for rent or sale at the Pasir Ris area. Or, if you can ask our experts if you have any property-related concerns.
Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
