SINGAPORE: Singapore will soon have its first
air-conditioned wet market.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has approved
a request from local super market chain, Sheng Siong, to install
air-conditioning at the wet market it will be operating at Elias
Mall in Pasir Ris.
However there's a condition - the HDB said the
approval will be revoked if Sheng Siong fails to operate the
premise as a wet market. That means having individual stallholders
who will set their own prices at their stalls.
HDB said it highlighted to Sheng Siong that
air-conditioning will increase operating costs and any rental or
tenancy adjustment made as a result should allow for a viable wet
market to operate for the long-term.
Sheng Siong is to submit further details to HDB in a
week.
Some stalls are expected to begin operations before Lunar New
Year.
HDB gave Sheng Siong the green light for the wet market on 12
November. But Sheng Siong put in a request to install air
conditioning at the premises. HDB said this was different from the
approved proposal which was to allow for natural ventilation.
Sheng Siong said it wanted to provide greater comfort to patrons
and added convenience in view of the longer hours it intends to
operate, from 7am to 10pm. It is understood that Sheng Siong has
been renovating the premises since the beginning of December.
HDB's Director of Properties and Land, Loh Loon tong, said: "While
renovating the premises, Sheng Siong has asked HDB if they could
air-con the premises, after due consideration, we have agreed for
them to do so. Once the place has been air-con, the operating hours
would be longer and the residents would have better convenience.
The only condition is that Sheng Shiong must continue to operate
the services as a wet market."
-CNA/ac