Ultrasound
checks on sunbreakers at 4 Tampines HDB blocks
SINGAPORE: From Friday (Sep 30), the Housing and Development
Board (HDB) will use ultrasound scanning equipment to check the
condition of all sunbreakers in Block 201E Tampines St 23, as well
as the surrounding blocks 201A, 201B and 201D on Tampines St
21.
The checks come after a sunbreaker on the fourth storey of block
201E gave way last Sunday. The dislodged sunshade has been removed
and taken to a laboratory, where investigations are still ongoing
to determine the cause of the incident.
HDB earlier assessed that the structural integrity of the
building was not compromised, and is working with the Tampines Town
Council on the necessary repairs.
While no physical signs of cracks were found at block 201E and
the three neighbouring blocks, HDB says the ultrasound scans will
be able to test for the presence of metal reinforcement bars
embedded within each sunshade as this is one of the areas being
investigated.
The scans at block 201E are expected to be completed within a
week. Checks will also be carried out progressively on the other
three blocks.
Speaking to reporters at a site visit to the affected block on
Friday, the area's Member of Parliament, Cheng Li Hui, said she had
spoken to residents to reassure them of their safety - particularly
those on the third storey where the dislodged part had damaged the
sunbreaker on their floor.
"Some of the residents are concerned because they are worried
about the safety of the third level, and we reassured them that the
engineers have certified that the third level is safe," said Ms
Cheng. "But we put in tension cords as a precaution just to assure
them that there's a second barrier of safety as well in place for
them."
She added that, based on feedback, it was business as usual for
most shops in the area.
HDB said it will share the results of the investigation and any
follow-up measures after completion of the site checks and lab
work, and asked the public to not speculate on the cause of the
incident.
- CNA/dl