City Council issues notice to residents of Outram HDB block who filled hallways with personal belongings

Outram HDB hallways packed with hoarded items

A 12-storey HDB block in Outram recently attracted attention for having its eight-storey corridors completely filled with miscellaneous items.

These items include sofas, cabinets, standing fans and plants.

Additionally, it appears that some residents have resorted to using the railings along the stairs as makeshift shelves for dirty clothes.

The safety risks posed by these crowded corridors have raised concerns, prompting action from the City Council.

Corridors of Outram HDB block are packed with residents’ belongings

According to Shin Min Daily News, the HDB block in question is located at 13 York Hill.

A reader told the Chinese-language newspaper that residents have filled the hallways with their belongings, posing security risks.

Salesman Rafael, 36, said he witnessed the situation for himself while exploring the area for filming materials.

Photos seen by Shin Min Daily News show items such as tables, chairs and plants occupying common areas outside residents’ doors.

“Not only does this obstruct the common areas, but these elements also pose a fire risk,” Rafael said.

Residents say they do not have enough space inside their homes.

During a visit to the block, Shin Min Daily News noted its 12 floors, each accommodating approximately 10 one-bedroom rental units.

The newspaper understands that this housing block has a history of more than 50 years, with the majority of its residents being elderly.

Residents journalists spoke to said disorder has been a persistent problem in recent years.

One of those residents is 18-year-old student Sheila (transcribed from Mandarin).

He explained that sometimes his family has no choice but to put some of their belongings outside their unit because their house doesn’t have enough space.

The City Council issues notices requesting the removal of the elements

In response to the newspaper’s questions, Jalan Besar Town Council said it issued notices to residents who placed their belongings in the hallways.

In particular, the City Council had spoken on multiple occasions with the resident of a third-floor unit to place his belongings in the common areas.

The resident in question is a 70-year-old “karang guni”.

I would place the items you have collected outside due to lack of space in your unit.

The resident agreed to relocate the items within a week after discussions with the council.

Similar notices have been issued to other residents and the council has stressed that it will carry out follow-up inspections.

“To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, we seek the cooperation of residents to keep common hallways and other shared spaces clean and accessible.”

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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News.