A resident has complained that an auntie is not using the new-style HDB laundry rack properly, and is instead placing bamboo poles across and around the rack to dry clothes. The resident worries that the poles may fall and injure someone. The auntie says she only did this because rainy weather made it hard for clothes to dry, and insists that all poles are tied securely.
A concerned reader informed Shin Min Daily News that a resident living in a high-floor unit at Block 440, Yishun Avenue 11, has been placing bamboo poles on the exterior laundry rack over the past two weeks, calling the act dangerous.
The block has completed the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), which includes new laundry racks.
The reader, who declined to be named, said:
“These new laundry racks no longer have holes for bamboo poles. They are not suitable for using bamboo poles to dry clothes.”
She added that she once saw a bamboo pole fall onto the ledge of the floor below the unit before someone eventually picked it up.
She also claimed the number of poles has been increasing, from two or three previously to four or five in recent days. Based on the photos provided, five bamboo poles were placed on the rack outside the unit’s window, with one of them positioned horizontally close to the block’s exterior wall.
When a reporter visited, the auntie, Madam Ng, 73, said she usually dries her clothes inside the flat.
“But it has been raining continuously these two weeks, and the clothes don’t dry. I had no choice but to hang them outside.”
She said she secures the bamboo poles onto the rack using cable ties and raffia string, and demonstrated to the reporter on the spot.
“I’m also afraid the poles may fall. If they hit someone or damage a car, I would have to take responsibility.”
As for the claim that a pole had fallen before, Madam Ng firmly denied it, saying such an incident had never happened.
Town Council has spoken to the resident
The Town Council has sent staff to speak with the resident and advised her not to dry clothes in a dangerous manner.
Responding to queries, Nee Soon Town Council said its staff had visited the unit to speak with the resident and advised against unsafe laundry practices.
“If such incidents continue after advice is given, we will take action. We will also continue to closely monitor the situation around the nearby blocks.”
The Town Council added that it remains committed to safeguarding residents’ well-being and thanked the public for highlighting such issues.
