Tengah Residents Face Cooling System Woes: What You Need to Know
Last December, a resident in Tengah returned home after a trip abroad, only to find her new flat at Plantation Grange flooded with water. The cause? A faulty insulator in the building’s centralised cooling system. Fast forward two months, and many residents are still grappling with similar issues.
Ongoing Problems with Centralised Cooling
In a recent report by Lianhe Zaobao, homeowner Mitchell Ee shared her experience of discovering a leak in her cooling system on February 13. This leak created a large puddle in her bedroom, as she recounted her frustrating ordeal. After contacting SP Group, which manages the cooling system in Tengah, they visited her flat the following day. Unfortunately, the damage was already done, with water seeping into the walls and staining the flooring.
“It was leaking non-stop,” Ee expressed. “It only stopped when they turned off the control valve of the centralised cooling system.”
Despite paying nearly $5,000 for the system along with a four-year warranty, Ee feels uneasy about its reliability. “It’s like a ticking time bomb,” she said. “What if I go overseas for two weeks and return to a flooded unit?” For now, she plans to stick with traditional air conditioners.
Another Resident’s Experience
Another Tengah resident, Jay, encountered similar issues. He found that condensation from the cooling system had damaged the plaster and stained his walls in Plantation Village. After two months of repairs, he chose to keep the system, hoping the issues would be resolved. “From the start, they failed to provide a workable air-con system,” he said.
Jay has decided not to box up the pipes and trunking of the cooling system. If problems arise again in the next few years, he will likely remove it altogether.
SP Group’s Response
SP Group acknowledged the initial condensation issues were due to rushed workmanship during the installation of the cooling system. In a statement, they assured residents that they are working closely with the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Daikin to address the reported problems.
To minimise inconvenience, SP Group aims to resolve all reported issues within 10 business days of the initial inspection. As of February 12, over 9,000 residents have subscribed to the centralised cooling system, which accounts for about 70% of Tengah’s build-to-order flat homeowners.
SP Group clarified that the perception of widespread issues stemmed from early feedback from residents who moved in during the compressed installation timeline. “These are teething issues that have surfaced for a new town like Tengah,” they stated.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Quality and Accountability
The recent incidents highlight the critical need for quality assurance in housing infrastructure. Residents should feel empowered to voice their concerns and demand accountability regarding the centralised cooling system. Here are some questions to consider:
– How can residents effectively voice their concerns and ensure their issues are addressed?
– What steps can stakeholders take to identify and resolve the root causes of these problems?
– How can experts in quality assurance contribute to improving the cooling system?
– What measures can be implemented to ensure timely and transparent communication between residents and stakeholders?
By engaging in open dialogue and seeking expert insights, residents can work towards creating a more comfortable living environment for everyone in Tengah.
For more insights on housing infrastructure and quality assurance, check out the Ministry of National Development’s resources here.