Want a DIY garden in estate? Get authorities involved first
BEFORE you start digging and planting in public areas, take a leaf from what the residents at Seletar Hills have done, by getting the authorities involved first.
08 April 2008
BEFORE you start digging and planting in public areas, take a leaf from what the residents at Seletar Hills have done, by getting the authorities involved first.
Another group of residents found this out the hard way when their greening efforts ended in ruins.
For the past four years, a group of elderly residents has been toiling at a small plot of land behind the block of flats at Toh Yi Drive where they live, planting bougainvillea, cucumbers and pineapples.
But more than a week ago, their plants were removed by the authorities because they had not received approval to plant there.
One of the residents, Mr Zhuang Zhen Lan, 80, a retiree, said: 'We're not harming anyone. It's simply a way for us to pass time. It's such a waste that four years of work has gone down the drain.'
A notice by the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Counil was put up on the noticeboard in early Feb at the lift landing, informing them to remove the plants.
The notice stated that 'the turf area is common area under the jurisdiction of the town council.
'Any unauthorised fixtures or planting is not allowed.'
The residents were advised to remove the plants by 24 Mar.
But Mr Zhuang said he wasn't even aware of the notice.
That was why he was shocked when he found his plants uprooted and removed a week ago.
He said: 'I go down to water the plants every day. It keeps me meaningfully occupied.
'It's a pity, but never mind. I'll try to keep some plants at home instead.'
When contacted, a spokesman from Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council said the planting was 'unauthorised'.
Notices were put up, requesting the residents to remove the plants.
The spokesman said that there was a final reminder notice at the lift lobby, that the plants had to be removed on 25 Mar.
The spokesman said: 'Residents may keep potted plants along the common corridor in front of their flats.
'The potted plants should be arranged in a single row on the floor and not cause obstruction, or create potential killer-litter.'
Want a DIY garden in estate? Get authorities involved first
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Contact Stuart Chng: (65) 9691 9907
Email: stuart.chng@eastliving.com.sg
EastLiving - Singapore Property and Real Estate DB
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