Residents affected by Exploding Tiles Complain that HDB has Done a NATO – No Action, Talk Only

Owners of HDB flats who have fallen victim to the Exploding Tile Syndrome are furious that they have not been able to reach the HDB so that the problem can be rectified.

Many of the cases of exploding tiles last week took place across Woodlands, with other incidents occurring in Sengkang, Toa Payoh, Bukit Panjang and Jurong West.

The HDB, in a Facebook post, said that it is aware that some flat owners have encountered dislodged tiles in their homes recently, and advised those affected to carefully move the dislodged tiles to a safe area, and cover the affected spot with cardboard for safety.

It added:

“Should you need advice on the repair work, you can call our Branch Hotline at 1800-225-5432 (Weekdays: 8:00am to 5:00pm) or the Essential Maintenance Services Unit (contact details are listed on the lifts at your blocks). Our colleagues will arrange an appointment to visit your flat, and provide a list of contractors who can carry out the repair work.”

But angry residents have complained that HDB pulled a NATO on them – No Action, Talk Only.

Said Mohammad Dzulkifli:

“Called HDB on sat, redirected to town council EMS. They took down details and say to wait on Mon for HDB to call back. Didn’t receive any call today. Been contacting HDB, cannot get through. My flat in woodlands affected. Dangerous for our 11 mth old baby.”

Harvinder Kaur said:

“I’m having the same problem. Called on Friday, Saturday and today morning. Told they have informed contractor to call. Till now no picture no sound. The crack spread 70% of the hse. N continuing. HDB can’t be bothered.”

Meanwhile, other residents have spoken up about more shoddy service they claim have been dished their way by Singapore’s public housing authority.

Said Jon Zephanius:

“You promise much but cannot deliver. My toilet ceiling has been leaking since MAY LAST YEAR and you still haven’t fixed it! All your officer does is refuse to answer emails, only calls where there is no black and white. He never calls us back, we have to call him and INVITE him and BEG HIM to do something! Then he always promises us next week next week for 8 MONTHS. It’s already coming to CNY and we will have a leaking house. What are you people doing?”

Meanwhile, the HDB has had a lot of work on its hands, cutting and pasting this similar stock response to all complaints received:

But exploding tiles aren’t the only issues that HDB-dwellers need to worry about.

Even owners of new HDB Build-to-Order flats have complained of shit explosions (as in, real crap exploding out of their toilets).

Over 100 complaints about wall cracks have been received by owners of the new Punggol BTO Flat, Waterway Banks.

Owners of recently-built Senja Gateway BTO flats have confronted their MP over shoddy floor tile quality.