TODAYonline | Town councils should be more flexible in helping seniors fix faults in...

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WEDNESDAY 29 MAY 2019

Singapore World Big Read Opinion Visuals Brand Spotlight 8 DAYS 

Town councils should be more flexible in helping seniors fix faults inside
flats
By  RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

TODAY file photo

Town councils must exercise flexibility when it comes to the needs of elders who are less mobile, says a reader.

Published 28 MAY, 2019 UPDATED 28 MAY, 2019 26 Shares
   

To have peace of mind and a good quality of life, we need to live in a safe environment.

There are valid concerns over the use of electric scooters, for instance. These vehicles have
endangered the lives of many Singaporeans, especially elders who are less mobile.

As Singapore’s population greys, policies that do not support a safe and healthy environment
must be relooked and adapted to deal with shifting trends.

At present, during power failures, town councils can attend to and rectify power trips only if
they happen outside an owner’s flat. They do not deal with power faults inside flats.

I live along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 and the town council ADVERTISEMENT

confirmed this practice to me when I experienced a two-hour

power failure last month.

The town council advised me to hire a contractor.

https://www.todayonline.com/voices/town-councils-should-be-more-flexible-helping-s... 29/5/2019
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Elderly persons with mobility problems find it difficult to

reach the circuit breaker, which is rather high. It was not
installed at eye level.

Moreover, I live alone, have arthritis, and am weak in my hands and legs. So I am wary about
meddling with electrical parts.

What if I fall?

The town councils must exercise flexibility when it comes to the needs of elders, many of
whom are also unemployed.

With the Government rolling out schemes for our elderly, I urge the authorities and town
councils to review this policy to support the needs of our seniors.

Tagged Topics

Town councils elderly safety Singapore

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