Cluttered Stairways

During our recent "Citizens On Patrol" rounds in August, a lot of households are still cluttering the stairways or even corridors.  Our RC had taken pictures and submitted to Town Council for their actions, since our constant advice have gone into deaf ears.

We have advised Town Council to give warnings and ample time for residents to clear the items.  Our next coming "Citizens On Patrol", we will revisit the same units that has the cluttering problems.  If it persists, we will have to exercise a little more authority and advise Town Council to issue a summon.

For the benefit of all our residents safety, we do hope the affected parties will understand.

Block 787B Coffeeshop

I was at the Coffeeshop that is located in the boundary of Chu Chu Kang Zone 9 and it has been there faithfully serving the residents since Oct 1995. As I look back at the stalls selling various types of hawker fare, allow me to share my thoughts on the stalls one by one, for the benefit of those who did not know good food do exist in hidden places ... For those driving, the location is just behind the Esso Petrol Kiosk. For those taking MRT, it is 5 mins walk towards the direction of the Petrol Kiosk, via the void deck of Block 787.  

Chicken Rice Stall This stall is the lonest surviving stall, dating back from the days of inception in Oct 1995. Simple fare but with the fragrant rice, no wonder it lasts till today  

Western Food Run by a family with 2 growing children, dishes served have improved since the day they started their business and with servings that are sufficient to keep the tummy grumbling at bay. What I admire most is that despite price increase in raw materials, they have kept their prices stable. My favourite is having a simple burger with egg, where I can take home and enjoy as my late night snack.  

Vegetarian Food Stall A new addition less than a year, where business is good during the 1st and 15th day of the month. A stall that offers variety and operates long hours for the benefit of residents living in our area.  

Noodles - Fish Ball / Minced Meat / Laksa This stall is being operated by an iron lady, whom I see her from dawn till 10pm almost everyday. I enjoy the big and generous servings she gives, when literally after a meal, you can skip another .... That is how filling it can get ! My kids been eating her minced pork / fish ball noodles for the longest time, not getting bored of it. Maybe the meal served lacked vegetables, which is to their joy !!  

Carrot Cake, Fried Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee & Oyster Omelette This is a stall where during breakfast hours, the clanging of the pan while whipping up delicious Carrot Cake makes you just want to try, and there I did. After eating, it became my regular morning palatte with my family as a shared item, eaten to the last drop ...  

Lor Mee / Yong Tau Hoo The"Lor Mee" is a winner for breakfast item at this Coffeeshop where queues is a norm, especially on weekends. At times, even late lunchers do not get an opportunity savour it as the gravy is out of stock ! My favourite is the Lor Mee with Spinich Toufu ... simply marvellous !! Must try !!  

Bak Kut Teh / Pig Organ Soup A dish for lovers of high cholesterol food .. That's what my wife told me ! Due to my health and budget constraints, I am restricted to eating it at most twice a month, but the pig organ soup and trotters keeps you craving for more !  

Muslim Food Stall The latest edition where it seems to be here for a long time. The "Shenton Way Mee Goreng" is simply so delicious that you can see many people ordering in different combinations ... Mee with Bee Hoon, Kway Teow with Mee .... Secondly, i enjoy the mutton soup, where it is so rich and tasty, that it has been my regular meal with bread, if I want to eat something simple. Last but not least, the Prata is crispy and large especially the curries, simply good to have at any time of the day.  

Economic Rice / Seafood Zhi Char Last but not least, a must at every Coffeeshop. This stall have been with us for a period of time and sells affordable "chai fun" during lunch and dinner, and very well improved "Zhi Char" combinations. Previously I shun this stall at night cos felt the food was not tasty and presentation was poor, but with a new boss for almost 3 years, the impression I once had is no longer valid ...

The reviews are my honest opinions as a resident here for the past 17 years, eating almost three quarters of on packed food. I wish all of you could enjoy with the family. As the saying goes, " A family that eats together, stays together"

Suicidal Cats ?

On 3 July, I received a call of foul smell emitting from the grass patch behind Block 785.  It happened to be my day off, so after breakfast, went to investigate the foul smell.

The smell was indeed very bad, and as I was combing the grass patch, still cannot find the source.  However, at the corner of my eye, there was sightings of houseflies flying out from the drains.  Suspecting that there could be rotten food, instead I saw a dead cat lying in the drain.

We picked it up and there was no signs of injuries, except lots of bleeding coming out of the mouth.  Injuries could be internal.  Anyway, it was placed in a black bag and arranged for it to be disposed.

Our suspicion could be the cat have fallen from a height at night, and found itself landed inside the drain instead of the grass patch.  Suicide ?? Only the cat knows ....

Staircase Toilet ?

On 9 June 2012 at 1.00am, we went for our regular “Citizens On Patrol”.  It was pouring heavily and during our patrols,  we saw at Block 789 staircase landing, mezzanine level between level 1 & 2, had a circular item on the floor that looked like beef patty.  

On closer examination, we were shocked to discover that it was human faeces ! Gosh, we are thankful that the heavy rain washed away the smell of urine that came with it.

Did You See This Sign ??

If you are not a regular user of Stagmont Park, a prominent sign have been placed in front of Block 771 to ask for witnesses of a recent loanshark case in our neighbourhood, on 18 April, at approximately 9.17pm.

Citizens On Patrol will be formed soon by CCK Zone 9 RC.  It is our hope to be a deterrent and also a presence to increase the safety and security of the neighborhood we call "Home"

Ramp at Block 786 and 771

We are pleased to inform that a new ramp have been built in front of Block 786 and 771, which will be a great help for families with children on strollers and residents with market trolley baskets, crossing Choa Chu Kang Street 54.

Our RC would like to thank resident for his feedback and posture in allowing time for the ramp to be completed, as it requires clearance from few agencies.

Barking Dogs - Block 771

We received a call from our hotline on 20 March, about 12.15pm from a resident of Block 771, giving feedback of barking dogs in the home, which barked non-stop from afternoons to evenings.  He sought help from RC to speak to the owner of the dogs.

Upon clarification, the person who called us, did not have any details for us, just informing us to address the issue and not sure which unit it comes from.  The feedback from non-stop from afternoons to evenings, became occasionally.  Even if the frequency is not as often, we would like to help but with no details as to which unit it came from, it is very hard for us.  The person would like to feedback to HDB, and we advised that it is the same - details are needed.

Barking dogs do not bite, but they do create an irritation if it is prolonged barking with no reason.

Fire at Staircase - Block 767

We were just commenting recently on cluttered stairways and through a resident, who gave us links on SCDF website on the guidelines, another case of mischief occurred again, this time on the 12th storey.

From what was observed, mischief was intentionally done as fire was started with combustible material brought in externally and it affected clothes on a laundry rack, probably left on the staircase landing to dry.  The fire caused a corridor lamp to explode, thus causing the whole block corridor to be tripped and in darkness.  It was very harrowing for those near the fire as they could neither see the surrounding nor able to help extinguish the fire  ! Many people were alerted when fire engines and firemen were seen climbing up the block to locate the source.

Possible source where the fire started

Our RC would like to encourage all residents to really not clutter the corridors as we are not sure the vandals will ever strike again.  Please keep a lookout on suspicious and irrelevant people along your corridors, playing with fire - which is more likely will lead to more damages if their mischief is not kept in check.

The burnt items on the laundry rack and combustible materials on the floor
that was brought away from the burning source

Let's be considerate keep Zone 9 estate a safe haven for all our residents !

Use of Common Corridors - Fire Safety

A great suggestion from a resident to us, to highlight to fellow HDB dwellers on some fire safety measures.


Guidelines on Usage of Common Corridor
While SCDF does not permit the storage of combustible materials along common corridors, we can allow for the placement of shoe racks, provided;-

a. It is for the sole purpose of keeping shoes, whereby, it would not constitute a substantial fire load,

b. A minimum clear escape passage of 1.2 m clearance is to be maintained from the parapet wall where the shoe rack is to be allowed.

c. No objects are to be placed along common corridors less than 1.2 m wide.

d. No placement of items such as clothing racks unless they can be easily folded or removed in times of emergency so that they do not obstruct the escape route.

Guidelines on Staircases and Its Landing

Strictly no placement/storage of objects at staircases and its immediate landing is allowed.

If you need an avenue to report to SCDF for any serious breech, below is a link to help you in reporting

http://www.scdf.gov.sg/content/scdf_internet/en/header-link/feedback/report_a_fire_hazard.html

Just an advice from the RC, please do exercise tolerance before alerting the authorities for enforcement actions !

Meow Meow ... Block 785 - Part 2

This was the original posting on 10 Feb 2012

http://cckzone9.blogspot.com/2012/02/meow-meow-block-785.html

Resident wrote back to us on 27 Feb 2012

Greetings to Mr Chia and Others !

Sorry for the late reply-feedback.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to you and your committee for your prompt and humanistic action - issue was resolved within the same week without causing any harm to the cats. I am positive that with your efficient team of leaders looking after our residents, we will have a brighter and greener community with a little care and effort from everyone of us (residents).

Thank you and your committee once again! Have a great week ahead~

Regards

Chong

Thank you for filling up our service tank, which makes our service to residents a joyous and satisfactory one.