“I’m in pain all day”: Hougang resident monitors neighbours’ parrots making ‘noise’ each day

Noisy Neighbours: A Singaporean Dilemma with Parrots

Living in an HDB can sometimes feel like a balancing act, especially when your peace is disrupted by noisy neighbours. A recent story from Shin Min Daily News highlights the struggles of 68-year-old Wang, who has been dealing with her upstairs neighbour’s four loud parrots for over a year.

The Daily Struggle

Wang used to enjoy a quiet life at Block 436 Hougang Avenue 8, but that all changed when her neighbour decided to keep parrots. The birds start squawking at 10 a.m. and continue their racket until late at night. “I try to figure out what upsets them so early in the day,” Wang shared, but her attempts to find peace have been in vain.

Feeling overwhelmed, she decided to take action. After trying to talk to her neighbour, Wang brought her case to the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRT) last October. If mediation fails, residents can seek legal help through the CDRT, a resource for those living in HDB flats facing similar issues.

A Legal Battle

Despite her efforts, Wang remains dissatisfied with the outcome. The judge suggested she install a barrier on her balcony, but the noise persists. “It’s so annoying to hear the birds chirping every morning,” she lamented. To document her neighbour’s inconsiderate behaviour, Wang has started keeping a detailed log of the times when the parrots make noise and her interactions with her neighbour.

Wang also reflected on how the parrots have strained her relationship with her neighbour. “I was three years older than her and thought I knew everything,” she admitted, highlighting the tension that can arise in close living quarters.

Family Ties and Challenges

Wang’s family life has also been affected. During Chinese New Year, her daughter, who is now 46, was upset with her over the noise. Their relationship became strained, with her daughter sometimes hanging up the phone on her. Wang worried about her daughter’s well-being when she was away from home, adding another layer of stress to her life.

In an effort to reduce the noise, Wang’s neighbour, Hua, has made changes. The birdcage was moved indoors and covered each night. However, only two of the four parrots sing, while the others remain quiet unless interacting with people.

Community Concerns

Wang’s situation is not unique. Other residents in HDB flats have also expressed their frustrations. For instance, a resident from Block 620 Bedok Reservoir Road shared her experience of living with noisy pets, saying that the shrieking would start every evening at 7 p.m. This constant noise made her dread returning home after a long day.

In another case, a man was reported to have more than ten birds, causing alarm among his neighbours. The chirping could be heard as early as 5 or 6 a.m., making mornings less than peaceful for those living nearby.

The Bigger Picture

This ongoing issue raises questions about the quality of life for HDB residents in Singapore. The noise from pets can significantly impact daily living, leading to stress and strained relationships. It’s crucial for the government and community leaders to consider measures that can help improve the living conditions for residents facing such challenges.

To read more about this ongoing issue, check out the full article from Shin Min Daily News.

In the end, it’s a reminder for all of us to be considerate neighbours and strive for harmony in our shared living spaces. How can we ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy peace at home?