Instead of Plants vs Zombies, in Singapore, we have “Plants vs HDBs”. An 85-year-old man recently found himself in the spotlight after a neighbour lodged complaints about the potted plants that the elderly man had placed along the HDB corridor.
Here’s what happened.
85-Year-Old Man Places About 60 Potted Plants Along HDB Corridor; Neighbours Concerned About Fire Hazards and Mosquitos
The story of Plants vs HDBs begins at Block 66 Marine Drive.
According to STOMP, an 85-year-old man staying on the sixth floor of Block 66 Marine Drive has been placing his potted plants along the HDB corridor and in the lift lobby for more than two years.
You might be thinking: “Isn’t that normal?” Well, it would be normal for a small number of potted plants.
However, according to Shin Min Daily News, the 85-year-old who goes by the surname Tan, placed approximately 60 potted plants along the HDB corridor lining his unit, and in the HDB block’s lift lobby.
Yes, you read that right. 60 potted plants.
It’s enough to start a mini Botanic Gardens — perhaps Mr Tan should consider applying for these plants to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The large number of potted plants, however, has since drew the ire of residents in the area. One particular neighbour was concerned about the fire hazard posed by these potted plants, as well as the possibility of mosquito breeding.
After all, if you call yourself a true blue Singaporean, you would have seen the dengue advertisements about how stagnant water in plant pot saucers could become hotbeds for mosquito breeding.
The neighbour also shared that there were clothes drying racks beside the potted plants, which made the lift lobby look unkempt.
The neighbour added: “Please be considerate and keep shared spaces tidy for everyone’s safety and comfort!”
85-Year-Old Insists that He Maintains the Plants Daily
However, 85-year-old Mr Tan insists that he maintains his plants daily to ensure that the area still looked clean and tidy overall.
According to Mr Tan, for 40-over years which he has been staying in his unit, he has spent half an hour daily to maintain his plants and the surrounding area.
He also added that there has never been an issue with stagnant water with his potted plants, nor do his potted plants obstruct the HDB corridors.
HDB corridors must have a minimum obstructed width of 1.2 metres. If the corridor is already less than 1.2 metres wide, no objects are to be placed along these corridors.
Marine Parade Town Council Carrying Out Decluttering Exercise
The Marine Parade Town Council has shared that the situation has already been brought to its attention, and that it has advised the resident to reduce the placement of personal items in the area.
It also shared that it was carrying out a decluttering exercise in the HDB block to educate residents on the risks that come with corridor clutter and obstructions in such common areas.
“We have also engaged some of these residents to encourage the removal or reduction of these items, and some had made efforts in doing so,” the town council added.
But the town council isn’t stopping here. It will also be revisiting the relevant HDB units to monitor the situation, and will continue providing assistance in reducing such corridor clutter.
So, what do you think? If your neighbour placed 60 potted plants along the HDB corridor and at the lift lobby, what would you do?
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