Proper Maintenance of Perimeter Areas Accessible by Public

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for National Development what can be done to owners/lessees of commercial premises/land who fail to properly maintain their perimeter/surrounding areas including footpaths and roads which the public and pedestrians have access to.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Lawrence Wong): Madam, it is the responsibility of the private landowners and lessees to maintain their facilities and surrounding areas on their land – so, we are very clear it is the responsibility of these landowners.

For specific cases where public safety is concerned, Government agencies can and will carry out enforcement action against the private owner. For example, SCDF will carry out enforcement action if there is any infringement of fire safety regulations. Building and Construction Authority (BCA) may issue Notices to Maintain under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act if commercial buildings and their surrounding structures are not properly maintained in a serviceable condition. Under the Street Works Act, LTA may also require private footpaths and roads that are in a dangerous or defective condition to be rectified.

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan (West Coast): I thank the Minister for his reply. I asked this particular question – I think he is very familiar to the Boon Lay constituency – certain parts of the constituency where there are some commercial premises in which the roads which are publicly accessible are actually in disrepair. I hope his Ministry will take action to ensure that these potholes and other disrepair would be rectified so that the senior citizens and those who make use of those private areas, but publicly accessible roads, are not in any danger.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Madam, I have moved from Boon Lay to Marsiling, Yew Tee but I have not forgotten my old constituency, so I would like to assure the Member that we will follow-up on the areas of concern and get the relevant agencies to take enforcement action.