Residents of a Sengkang HDB block are unhappy that the lift lobby on the 17th floor has turned into a group buy collection point.
They say the area is constantly visited by people collecting items, and the staircase area often reeks of rotting rubbish. The place has become dirty and unsanitary. But the person running the group buy claims the area is always cleaned, and there have never been complaints.
Residents told reporters that this has been going on for about five years at Block 298D Compassvale Street. Every week, for about three days, goods are delivered and picked up at the 17th-floor lift lobby. Most of the items are fresh produce, like vegetables and fruits.
“Sometimes, the goods are left in the corridor or lobby overnight. The smell can get really bad and attract bugs and lizards.”
Residents said if the packaging or waste from the deliveries is not properly disposed of and just left at the rubbish chute, the situation becomes worse, reported Zaobao.
When reporters visited the scene, a resident who declined to be named said the goods seemed to be delivered for group members to collect.
“Sometimes no one comes to pick them up for two or three days, and bloody water starts leaking from the packaging.”
Residents revealed that many of the group buy items include fish, chicken, duck, and vegetables, some even shipped from China.
“There was a time when someone allegedly stole some items, so the person-in-charge installed a CCTV camera aimed directly at the collection spot.”
When reporters visited, there were no goods at the lift lobby, but cardboard boxes that once held produce were found near the rubbish chute. A faint, bad smell was present in the area.
Reporters also contacted the person running the group buy, known as Ah Jie. She said she has been handling community group buys for years and has never disrupted the neighbours.
She explained that fresh items like fruits and meat can start to smell if left out too long, which is why members usually collect their items quickly.
“If the items are spoiled, nobody will want them. Many people here are part of group buys. I always clean up the area after collection, and no neighbours have ever complained.”
Sengkang Town Council: No selling or services allowed in public areas without approval
In response to media queries, the Sengkang Town Council said no one is allowed to sell items or provide services in public areas unless they have written approval from the council.
The town council confirmed they received feedback on 17 July. “Our management team followed up and removed the items occupying the public area two days later. The resident later collected the items.”
As of now, they said they cannot confirm if any actual selling took place. “We take all feedback on unauthorised use of public space seriously. Our officers will continue to monitor the area and will take enforcement action if there are any breaches of town council regulations.”
Group buy platform says buyers must be considerate
Reporters also reached out to one of the WeChat group buy platforms. The platform’s spokesperson, Lin Zi, 40, said that usually, the delivery address is provided by the buyer, and sometimes the buyer is a group leader for larger purchases.
“This particular group leader has only bought from my platform twice, and both times were for large orders of fresh produce. I believe she also orders from other platforms.”
When asked whether group buy platforms should have designated collection points to avoid inconvenience to others, Lin Zi replied, “Group buys must never cause trouble for other residents. I always remind my customers to be mindful.”
