'Urban slum' at Whampoa HDB block: Town council asks public to spare a thought for cleaners

Workers have been cleaning up rubbish at Block 74 Whampoa Drive as often as three times a day.

Unfortunately, that does not appear to be enough, no thanks to indiscriminate dumping by residents and retail shops at the block.

Stomper Daniel said the issue of rubbish accumulating on the ground floor of the block has been going on for "at least 30 years, since some residents were children".

Sharing a video and a photo of the situation, Daniel told Stomp: "This is the what residents of Block 74 Whampoa Drive have to pass through EVERY DAY for decades, whether it is to take the elevator or navigate to the shops.

"There is trash, rotting food, smelly odours, flies and nasty dirty water. Nothing has improved.

"Many elderly people live here and they have to pass through these. It is a health risk and the smelly water puddles can be slippery. Just imagine if they slip and fall in such dirty water.

"This reminds me of many urban slum scenes I have seen. Can Singapore do better?"

In response to a Stomp query, Jalan Besar Town Council shed more light on the situation and appealed for members of the public to do their part.

A spokesperson said on Tuesday (Oct 3): "Jalan Besar Town Council is aware of the situation at the block and has in fact been stepping up efforts to improve the cleanliness.

"To this end, our workers clean the area and clear the rubbish bins up to three times a day, in the morning, afternoon and again at night.

"Part of the reason for the large volume of rubbish is due to indiscriminate dumping and also trade refuse.

"Shops are required to have their own bins and make separate arrangements for their refuse disposal. We have spoken to the shops at the block again to remind them of this and to not throw their refuse into the public bins.

"At the same time, the repair and redecoration (R&R) work for the estate is ongoing. When the R&R is completed, we believe it will beautify and bring an overall refreshed look to the estate.

"While the town council continues with our stepped-up cleaning and improvement works, all efforts will come to naught if poor habits persist. We also hope the public can spare a thought for our cleaners, who have been working tirelessly to clean our estates.

"Let's work together to make our living environment a clean and pleasant one for all."