In a recent post on Instagram, social media influencer Xiaxue highlighted the ‘derelict’ state of her HDB common areas in Hougang. Lo and behold!
Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) wasted no time in addressing her concerns. Aside from explaining the situation online, AHTC also engaged workers the following day to fix the chipped cement surfaces and painted over the ceiling. https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/xiaxue-raises-concerns-about-destitute-state-her-hougang-hdb-block-town-council-responds
Pound for pound, in a Condo setting the Managing agent would have to …
- Get MCST council approval
- Mobilise contractors to do minor repairs
- Supervise minor works and ensure completion
- Release official statement to all residents
All within 24 hours.
Here’s the extra points. AHTC ended their note with “The town council recognises that there is always room for improvement, and welcomes feedback from residents.” My idol MA. Such eagerness and endearing level of service reminds me of SG in the 1980s or Japan today.
Not only that, in this instance the Public model trumps the Private model in both cost and efficiency. An extremely rare sighting for me.
Related posts: “Public amenities well managed. Superbly efficient with social media.”
True that!! as it takes ages to fix anything with all that bureaucracy unless there is endangerment to life, such as the spalling concrete above going to fall and hurt someone!
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I hate to say this. Sometimes the layers of bureaucratic checks, balance and control can cover one’s back. When things go wrong, the multiple strings of safeguards are examined more closely than the decision-maker. At what junction, will it narrow down to my career protection versus someone’s safety? Bear in mind, if you give instructions to fix a crack in one block, not doing so for similar cracks in the same block or the other 10,000 HDBs can have consequences.
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Yes. Safety seems dispensable which is sad.
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