<!-- end left side bar -->
I THANK Mr Tan Kam Weng ('Things have changed in Potong Pasir -
for the worse', last Wednesday) for his comments and feedback, and
Mr Liew Kai Khiun ('Little evidence of significant decline in
Potong Pasir', last Thursday) for his positive and encouraging
comments.
Potong Pasir Town Council has been engaging competent
contractors for all estate maintenance work and our team of estate
officers is always there to ensure that the work is carried out
effectively.
I am not surprised at the rankings in the Town Council
Management Report (TCMR), which was published in the media. It is
not at all appropriate to compare the performances of the town
councils as the profile and age of the properties are totally
different. There is also an inequality in the funds granted among
the town councils and the improvement works carried out by the
Government.
Potong Pasir is a mature estate where the blocks are 25 to 35
years old. Constant efforts are being made using our available
resources to maintain the estate as best as possible.
Our lift maintenance company was already replacing some of the
automatic rescue devices during the reporting period of the TCMR.
Anyway, there were no issues concerning this matter. I
categorically state that all the automatic rescue devices in our
estate are working and in serviceable condition. Potong Pasir
residents need not worry about it.
With regard to arrears as reported by the TCMR, we do make
provisions for doubtful debts due to the unfavourable economic
condition in Singapore, by allowing residents to pay by instalments
on compassionate grounds.
It is not our policy to write off the debts just for the sake of
making our report look good. Our approach of collection is
systematic, practical and, when required, we have taken the
necessary steps to recover the dues.
I have been managing Potong Pasir Town Council for the last 25
years as diligently as I can and will continue to do my best.
Chiam See Tong
MP for Potong Pasir &
Chairman of Potong Pasir Town Council
