Tag Archives: Serangoon North

Serangoon North HUDC close to privatisation

Posted on 16 Apr 2011 | Comments Off on Serangoon North HUDC close to privatisation

The Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) estate in Serangoon North is three signatures away from achieving privatisation.

180 of the 244 households have already signed up – just 1.2 per cent shy of the 75 per cent minimum needed for the proposal.

Key benefits of privatising HUDC estates are that home owners will be able to manage their estates and build facilities typically found in condominiums, like swimming pools or fitness corners.

Property value usually increases as well because of fewer restrictions on locals or foreigners buying private apartments.

The Serangoon North HUDC has been trying to achieve privatisation since 1997, but has met resistance from residents.

Many cited concerns over their inability to pay the S$30,000 in privatisation costs.

The estate is under a time crunch to reach consensus.

If the vote goes through before August 1, 2013, the Government will cap the cost of privatising the homes at S$30,000.

Thereafter, the cost of privatisation will be adjusted to take into consideration the prevailing redevelopment potential of the land, which could potentially double.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and MP for Aljunied GRC, Lim Hwee Hua, met residents this evening to hear their concerns over the privatisation of their estate.

Source : CNA – 16 Apr 2011

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When a market is also a community chat stop

Posted on 3 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on When a market is also a community chat stop

I REFER to Wednesday’s report, ‘Wet markets’ buyout causes upset’. Supermarket chain Sheng Siong bought over five wet markets in Choa Chu Kang, Serangoon, Bukit Batok West and Bukit Panjang, much to the dismay of heartlanders.

Wet markets are supposed to be places for residents to buy the freshest food at the lowest price possible. Each stall is managed by a stall owner, who has the right to give his customers the best and also take control of his selling price. Now wet markets will be replaced by Sheng Siong, goods will be sold to consumers at a fixed price. Residents in the neighbourhood are unhappy over higher prices and less variety of food.

Closure of the wet markets will also affect the unemployment rate. Stallholders are usually middle-aged or older. They may suffer from structural unemployment. Unlike previous contracts, new ones may allow termination. Usually less educated than the younger generation, stall owners tend to sign without realising they may have to leave in less than three months. Furthermore, some stallholders said they would have difficulty finding another stall at other wet markets. I feel for the stallholders as they are just trying to earn a living on their meagre income.

Wet markets are good places for residents to mingle and talk with other residents and stallholders. Residents feel comfortable and very much at home as they haggle amid the noise and familiar surroundings of wet markets they have patronised for years. Strong friendships were forged over the years as customers supported the stallholders. Continue reading →

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