Within the Tiong Bahru Estate, there is a street where there are no parking lots for non-Tiong Bahru residents.
All the parking lots are painted red there. (Red coloured lots are meant for residents with a valid parking label)
This has perhaps made that street a little more "exclusive" as it seems like there are more parking lots available here than the residents who drives.
Here's the history bit :
Eng Watt Street is named after See Eng Wat, a Malacca-born merchant.
A native of Zhangpu, Fujian, he was the second son of Si Hoo Keh.
He founded Eng Wat, Moh Guan & Bros Co in 1859 with ships plying between Singapore and Xiamen.
He was a Chinese pioneer in shipping line.
He was also one of the founders of a Chinese free school known as Chui Eng Si E in Amoy Street.
A Fujian community leader, he died in 1884.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query eng watt. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query eng watt. Sort by date Show all posts
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2014
The Straits Times : Serenading Tiong Bahru
The Straits Times
Life! Section
By Amanda See
25th April 2014
Eight artists have written original songs and poems to celebrate the enclave and will perform there at this year's Musicity
While doing research for her poem based on the air raid shelter in Tiong Bahru, home-grown poet Jennifer Champion discovered a nugget of family history - her step-aunt was born in the shelter at 78 Moh Guan Terrace on the same day the step-aunt's father died in the bombings during World War II in 1942.
Champion, 26, is one of the eight artists taking part in Musicity Singapore 2014, which opens tonight at Tiong Bahru. It will feature a panel discussion and shows by home-grown band Seyra, Champion and another Singapore poet Marc Nair.
This is the second edition of the global music programme, which debuted here in 2012. Founded in London in 2011, it celebrates a city's music and urban design through music and architecture. The event has been held in cities such as Oslo and Tokyo.
Recalling how she stumbled upon the family connection while watching a Channel 5 news segment on the air-raid shelter on YouTube, Champion says: "I didn't recognise my step-aunt from the video because we hardly meet and I know her only by her nickname. My dad told me we were related."
She adds: "Finding out something like this gives a personal connection to the place. Before that, I was writing the poem, Let It Shine, as a member of the public. Knowing that there was family involved gave me a certain responsibility to convey the story sensitively."
While the first edition of Musicity Singapore was held in places such as the ArtScience Museum and Gardens by the Bay, the artists will perform in various locations around Tiong Bahru this year.
Ms Carolyn Oei, festival director and organiser of Musicity Singapore 2014, says: "Tiong Bahru as a festival location fits perfectly with the overall objective of Musicity. Tiong Bahru is rich in heritage and stories and, at the same time, is so contemporary."
The event challenges the idea of performance by selecting, she says, "atypical spaces while still retaining the essence of experiencing a show".
She adds: "The intimate and interesting venues invite the audience to go closer to the performers and take in both words and music at a deeper level."
The eight artists have written 12 original music and poetry tracks based on different locations in Tiong Bahru. These tracks can be streamed through a mobile app when the user is at the site the tracks are tagged to. Ms Oei says this is to encourage people to enjoy the spaces the city has to offer.
Besides connecting with her step-aunt, who is her father's step-cousin, Champion also made another surprise discovery while working on Musicity. She is related to fellow artist Marcel Lee Pereira, whose grandmother married Champion's granduncle after her husband died.
Champion and Pereira will perform on May 9 at Bincho, a modern Japanese yakitori open-concept bar in Moh Guan Terrace.
The track that Pereira has composed for the event, titled The Place Where We Met, is based on the Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre in Seng Poh Road. The song tells a love story in which a woman looks out to the sea every day as she awaits her lover's return.
Pereira, 33, a singer-songwriter who is also a sub-editor with The Straits Times' digital team, says: "I found out from my research that businessmen used to house their mistress in the flats in Tiong Bahru. It was likely that some of them would have been forgotten over the years, as a businessman would have to travel.
"I didn't want to write a song just about the food and vegetables in the market. I wanted to bring a human element to it, so I imagined who would be there at the market."
He will also perform in a fringe activity on May 4 with a busker who visits the food centre in his wheelchair on weekends singing Hokkien and Mandarin ballads.
Also performing with Champion at Bincho on May 2 are Monster Cat. The three-man band composed a track, The Rich Dream, for the event. The song was inspired by Qi Tian Gong Temple in Eng Hoon Street, which is dedicated to the monkey god.
The band's 28-year-old singer and co-songwriter, who goes by the name Hentai Cat, says: "This was a very interesting way to approach creation. I think all art is dependent on circumstances and location. It's surprising to me sometimes how much our songs are about Singapore and living here," he says.
Tiong Bahru resident Jane Teo welcomes the event. The 21-year old student says: "My neighbourhood would be more lively and I get to see these performances up close."
seemanda@sph.com.sg
WHAT TO WATCH AT MUSICITY SINGAPORE 2014
Musicity Singapore 2014 will present 10 ticketed performances, including today's opening night hosted by presenting sponsor Keppel Land. The other shows pair a singer or band with a poet.
All the show venues, except for TBB Tiong Bahru Bar, do not usually host live performances.
Who: A panel discussion on the topic of sonic architecture, as well as performances by home-grown band Seyra and poets Marc Nair and Jennifer Champion.
Where: 1 Kim Tian Road
When: Today, 7.30 to 10pm
Admission: $40 (sales have ended)
Who: Seyra and Nabilah Husna
Where: The Fab Lab (73 Eng Watt Street at 8.45pm)
When: Tomorrow, 9 to 10pm
Admission: $25
Who: Monster Cat and Jennifer Champion
Where: Bincho, 78 Moh Guan Terrace
When: May 2, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $30
Who: The Sam Willows and Gideon + Allee
Where: Tiong Bahru Community Centre Music Room 2, 67A Eu Chin Street
When: May 2, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $20
Who: The Sam Willows and Nabilah Husna
Where: The French Bookshop, 55 Tiong Bahru Road
When: May 3, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $20
Who: Seyra and Gideon + Allee
Where: Tiong Bahru Community Centre Music Room 2, 67A Eu Chin Street
When: May 3, 9 to 10pm
Admission: $20
Who: Marcel Lee Pereira and Jennifer Champion
Where: Bincho, 78 Moh Guan Terrace
When: May 9, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $30
Who: Monster Cat and Marc Nair
Where: The Fab Lab (73 Eng Watt Street at 7.45pm)
When: May 9, 8 to 9pm
Admission: $25 (sales have ended)
Who: The Sam Willows, Gideon + Allee and Nabilah Husna
Where: TBB Tiong Bahru Bar, 3 Seng Poh Road
When: May 10, 7.30 to 10pm
Admission: $20
To book tickets, go to eventnook.com/event/musicitysingapore2014/home. For more information, go to sin.musicity.info.
Life! Section
By Amanda See
25th April 2014
Eight artists have written original songs and poems to celebrate the enclave and will perform there at this year's Musicity
 |
| Poet Jennifer Anne Champion (second from left) and singer-songwriter Marcel Lee Pereira (far right) with members of Monster Cat (from left) Meta Cat, drummer; Psycho Cat, guitarist; and Hentai Cat, singer; at Bincho, a Japanese yakitori bar in Tiong Bahru, where they will be performing. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM |
While doing research for her poem based on the air raid shelter in Tiong Bahru, home-grown poet Jennifer Champion discovered a nugget of family history - her step-aunt was born in the shelter at 78 Moh Guan Terrace on the same day the step-aunt's father died in the bombings during World War II in 1942.
Champion, 26, is one of the eight artists taking part in Musicity Singapore 2014, which opens tonight at Tiong Bahru. It will feature a panel discussion and shows by home-grown band Seyra, Champion and another Singapore poet Marc Nair.
This is the second edition of the global music programme, which debuted here in 2012. Founded in London in 2011, it celebrates a city's music and urban design through music and architecture. The event has been held in cities such as Oslo and Tokyo.
Recalling how she stumbled upon the family connection while watching a Channel 5 news segment on the air-raid shelter on YouTube, Champion says: "I didn't recognise my step-aunt from the video because we hardly meet and I know her only by her nickname. My dad told me we were related."
She adds: "Finding out something like this gives a personal connection to the place. Before that, I was writing the poem, Let It Shine, as a member of the public. Knowing that there was family involved gave me a certain responsibility to convey the story sensitively."
While the first edition of Musicity Singapore was held in places such as the ArtScience Museum and Gardens by the Bay, the artists will perform in various locations around Tiong Bahru this year.
Ms Carolyn Oei, festival director and organiser of Musicity Singapore 2014, says: "Tiong Bahru as a festival location fits perfectly with the overall objective of Musicity. Tiong Bahru is rich in heritage and stories and, at the same time, is so contemporary."
The event challenges the idea of performance by selecting, she says, "atypical spaces while still retaining the essence of experiencing a show".
She adds: "The intimate and interesting venues invite the audience to go closer to the performers and take in both words and music at a deeper level."
The eight artists have written 12 original music and poetry tracks based on different locations in Tiong Bahru. These tracks can be streamed through a mobile app when the user is at the site the tracks are tagged to. Ms Oei says this is to encourage people to enjoy the spaces the city has to offer.
Besides connecting with her step-aunt, who is her father's step-cousin, Champion also made another surprise discovery while working on Musicity. She is related to fellow artist Marcel Lee Pereira, whose grandmother married Champion's granduncle after her husband died.
Champion and Pereira will perform on May 9 at Bincho, a modern Japanese yakitori open-concept bar in Moh Guan Terrace.
The track that Pereira has composed for the event, titled The Place Where We Met, is based on the Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre in Seng Poh Road. The song tells a love story in which a woman looks out to the sea every day as she awaits her lover's return.
Pereira, 33, a singer-songwriter who is also a sub-editor with The Straits Times' digital team, says: "I found out from my research that businessmen used to house their mistress in the flats in Tiong Bahru. It was likely that some of them would have been forgotten over the years, as a businessman would have to travel.
"I didn't want to write a song just about the food and vegetables in the market. I wanted to bring a human element to it, so I imagined who would be there at the market."
He will also perform in a fringe activity on May 4 with a busker who visits the food centre in his wheelchair on weekends singing Hokkien and Mandarin ballads.
Also performing with Champion at Bincho on May 2 are Monster Cat. The three-man band composed a track, The Rich Dream, for the event. The song was inspired by Qi Tian Gong Temple in Eng Hoon Street, which is dedicated to the monkey god.
The band's 28-year-old singer and co-songwriter, who goes by the name Hentai Cat, says: "This was a very interesting way to approach creation. I think all art is dependent on circumstances and location. It's surprising to me sometimes how much our songs are about Singapore and living here," he says.
Tiong Bahru resident Jane Teo welcomes the event. The 21-year old student says: "My neighbourhood would be more lively and I get to see these performances up close."
seemanda@sph.com.sg
__________________________________________
WHAT TO WATCH AT MUSICITY SINGAPORE 2014
Musicity Singapore 2014 will present 10 ticketed performances, including today's opening night hosted by presenting sponsor Keppel Land. The other shows pair a singer or band with a poet.
All the show venues, except for TBB Tiong Bahru Bar, do not usually host live performances.
Who: A panel discussion on the topic of sonic architecture, as well as performances by home-grown band Seyra and poets Marc Nair and Jennifer Champion.
Where: 1 Kim Tian Road
When: Today, 7.30 to 10pm
Admission: $40 (sales have ended)
 |
| Marc Nair |
Who: Marcel Lee Pereira and Marc Nair
Where: The French Bookshop, 55 Tiong Bahru Road
When: Tomorrow, 7.30 to 8.30pm
Admission: $20
Where: The French Bookshop, 55 Tiong Bahru Road
When: Tomorrow, 7.30 to 8.30pm
Admission: $20
 |
| Home-grown indie-folk music group Seyra (above) and poets Gideon + Allee, comprising Gideon Goh and Allee Koh. -- PHOTO: MARC NAIR |
Who: Seyra and Nabilah Husna
Where: The Fab Lab (73 Eng Watt Street at 8.45pm)
When: Tomorrow, 9 to 10pm
Admission: $25
Who: Monster Cat and Jennifer Champion
Where: Bincho, 78 Moh Guan Terrace
When: May 2, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $30
 |
| Home-grown indie band The Sam Willows will also be performing. -- PHOTO: MARC NAIR |
Who: The Sam Willows and Gideon + Allee
Where: Tiong Bahru Community Centre Music Room 2, 67A Eu Chin Street
When: May 2, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $20
 |
| Nabilah Husna |
Who: The Sam Willows and Nabilah Husna
Where: The French Bookshop, 55 Tiong Bahru Road
When: May 3, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $20
 |
| Home-grown indie-folk music group Seyra and poets Gideon + Allee, comprising Gideon Goh and Allee Koh (above). -- PHOTO: MARC NAIR |
Who: Seyra and Gideon + Allee
Where: Tiong Bahru Community Centre Music Room 2, 67A Eu Chin Street
When: May 3, 9 to 10pm
Admission: $20
Who: Marcel Lee Pereira and Jennifer Champion
Where: Bincho, 78 Moh Guan Terrace
When: May 9, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Admission: $30
Who: Monster Cat and Marc Nair
Where: The Fab Lab (73 Eng Watt Street at 7.45pm)
When: May 9, 8 to 9pm
Admission: $25 (sales have ended)
Who: The Sam Willows, Gideon + Allee and Nabilah Husna
Where: TBB Tiong Bahru Bar, 3 Seng Poh Road
When: May 10, 7.30 to 10pm
Admission: $20
To book tickets, go to eventnook.com/event/musicitysingapore2014/home. For more information, go to sin.musicity.info.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Tiong Bahru Housing Estate
Some weeks ago, I was assigned by River Valley Primary School to do my "parents' volunteer" thingy at their school library.
While "shelving" the books, I came across this book.
Here's the reproduction of the article:
The Singapore Improvement Trust was officially formed in 1927 and continued until 1959 when the Housing and Development Board was established.
The flats in this estate were built between 1936 and 1954.
The buildings are set within generous and well planned public open spaces and, as such, represent one of the most successful community developments in Singapore. The 3- and 4- storey flats are reminiscent of much European public residential architecture of the time, with their simple, clear facades and well proportioned stairs and windows.
The estate contains a mixture of 1- to 5-room dwelling units. shophouses, lock-up shops and garages; a total of 2243 units.
The most extensive building programme was in 1950 when 460 units and 66 lock-up shops were erected.
The 4-storey buildings in Boon Tiong Road (and the “Red Flats” in Tiong Bahru Road, attributed to Lincoln Page, Senior Architect, were built from 1948 to 1950.Those in Kim Poh (sic) Road were designed by Robert F.N. Kan; other buildings (1940) are attributed to A.G. Church (Could this be the guy who designed the Pre-War Section?). Curved forms are used freely in the best 1930s manner.
While "shelving" the books, I came across this book.
I wished I could hide myself in a corner and read all these books but I cannot let my son down.
So the next best thing was to take my phone out and snap some quick pictures for future reference. 
Here's the reproduction of the article: The Singapore Improvement Trust was officially formed in 1927 and continued until 1959 when the Housing and Development Board was established.
The flats in this estate were built between 1936 and 1954.
The buildings are set within generous and well planned public open spaces and, as such, represent one of the most successful community developments in Singapore. The 3- and 4- storey flats are reminiscent of much European public residential architecture of the time, with their simple, clear facades and well proportioned stairs and windows.
The estate contains a mixture of 1- to 5-room dwelling units. shophouses, lock-up shops and garages; a total of 2243 units.
The most extensive building programme was in 1950 when 460 units and 66 lock-up shops were erected.
The 4-storey buildings in Boon Tiong Road (and the “Red Flats” in Tiong Bahru Road, attributed to Lincoln Page, Senior Architect, were built from 1948 to 1950.Those in Kim Poh (sic) Road were designed by Robert F.N. Kan; other buildings (1940) are attributed to A.G. Church (Could this be the guy who designed the Pre-War Section?). Curved forms are used freely in the best 1930s manner.
The 4 Storey Flats along Boon Tiong
(Now known as Global Residences at Tiong Bahru)
Designed by S.I.T. Senior Architect : Lincoln Page
(Now known as Global Residences at Tiong Bahru)
Designed by S.I.T. Senior Architect : Lincoln Page
The Post War 4 Storey Flats in Tiong Bahru Estate
Probably designed by S.I.T. Senior Architect : Lincoln Page
The Red Flats (Now known as the Link Hotel)
Designed by S.I.T. Senior Architect : Lincoln Page
Flats along Kim Pog Road (Demolished)
Designed by S.I.T. Architect : Robert F.N. Kan
Designed by S.I.T. Architect : Robert F.N. Kan
Other street which contain some very good buildings are Eng Hoon Street, Seng Poh Lane, Eng Watt Street and Guan Chuan Street. Seng Poh Lane and Seng Poh Road are named after Tan Seng Poh, who was born in Perak c. 1930 and became a City Councillor in 1870.
Eng Hoon Street is part of the Tiong Bahru Housing Estate and, like its neighbours, is a straightforward solution to the housing needs of the day; therein lies its importance, architecturally and socially.
It is obvious that, even today, this estate accommodates the diverse demands of the local population and functions well as a human settlement. It also responds well to the equatorial climate.
Between Tiong Poh Road and Seng Poh Road is a large public open space onto which the houses back; this contains a playground (converted into a carpark) and some shops and restaurants.
The excellent market, the bird singing contest and the small, old Chinese temple (We Tin Beo, reputedly over 150 years old) all contribute to the success of this fine community development.
Tiong Bahru Regional Park is situated between Tiong Bahru, Henderson and Delta Roads adjacent to the Tiong Bahru Secondary School. It is one of older parks in Singapore (built by the Parks & Recreation Department in 1968) and today serves the recreational needs of the expanding population of the Tiong Bahru area.
The park is planted with Casuarina equisetifolia, Fagraea crenulata and Megaskepasma erythrochlamys and many varieties of Bougainvillea; it also has a small pond, seats ad swings.
Tiong Bahru means New Cemetery; Tiong is Chinese for cemetery and Bahru is Malay for new.
Eng Hoon Street is part of the Tiong Bahru Housing Estate and, like its neighbours, is a straightforward solution to the housing needs of the day; therein lies its importance, architecturally and socially.
It is obvious that, even today, this estate accommodates the diverse demands of the local population and functions well as a human settlement. It also responds well to the equatorial climate.
Between Tiong Poh Road and Seng Poh Road is a large public open space onto which the houses back; this contains a playground (converted into a carpark) and some shops and restaurants.
The excellent market, the bird singing contest and the small, old Chinese temple (We Tin Beo, reputedly over 150 years old) all contribute to the success of this fine community development.
Tiong Bahru Regional Park is situated between Tiong Bahru, Henderson and Delta Roads adjacent to the Tiong Bahru Secondary School. It is one of older parks in Singapore (built by the Parks & Recreation Department in 1968) and today serves the recreational needs of the expanding population of the Tiong Bahru area.
The park is planted with Casuarina equisetifolia, Fagraea crenulata and Megaskepasma erythrochlamys and many varieties of Bougainvillea; it also has a small pond, seats ad swings.
Tiong Bahru means New Cemetery; Tiong is Chinese for cemetery and Bahru is Malay for new.
Monday, January 6, 2014
The Straits Times : Your grandfather's road? Not in Tiong Bahru
The Straits Times
By Melody Zaccheus
6th January 2014
Campaign urges motorists to use the 700 public parking spaces in estate
THE traffic snarl-ups that have plagued the narrow streets of the Tiong Bahru conservation estate for the past five years could soon become a thing of the past.
A new campaign - "Is this your grandfather's road?" - was launched yesterday as part of the Seng Poh Residents' Committee's kindness movement. It will encourage motorists to use the 700 public parking spaces across the estate instead of parking illegally.
Complaints from residents about inconsiderate drivers and congestion have been on the rise since cafes and eateries started setting up shop in the neighbourhood. Common black spots include the area around the Tiong Bahru market and Seng Poh Road.
"It now takes me six minutes to drive out of the estate via Tiong Poh Road on a weekend instead of the usual two minutes," said resident Choa Haw King, 37, a financial entrepreneur.
A group of 20 residents and volunteers took to the streets with Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Indranee Rajah yesterday morning to distribute pamphlets, detailing the locations of these parking spaces, and placing them on windscreens of illegally parked cars. The parking spaces include the freshly repaved open-air carpark at Block 78 and another in Seng Poh Lane.
"Now that I know there are parking spaces for us, I will make the effort to park there," said lorry driver Raymond Oh, 43, who frequents the Qi Tian Gong temple and had parked illegally in Eng Hoon Street.
The initiative is part of a slew of measures rolled out by a seven- member task force set up by Ms Indranee last February to address "disamenities" caused by the rise in commercial activities in the residential estate.
Comprising residents' committee members and residents, it works with agencies such as the Land Transport Authority and the National Environment Agency.
Task force co-chairman Chris Hooi told The Straits Times: "The agencies used to act independently. The task force helps to coordinate and gel everyone together so that matters can be addressed quicker."
Over the past few months, the team has worked on adding 50 public parking spaces in Eng Hoon and Eng Watt streets and has improved walkways, lighting and landscaping on the streets of the 77-year-old estate. It has also addressed hygiene concerns such as rat infestations and littering.
The task force is monitoring the number and types of food and beverage outlets setting up shop there and helping to curb illegal sub-letting, alterations and additions to conservation buildings.
Ms Indranee said these will continue. Efforts will also be made this year to foster a stronger sense of identity among the estate's stakeholders. There are plans, for instance, to include facilities such as a chill-out area for youth.
"There are residents who have lived here for a long time and those who are new to the area," she said. "Both groups have a sense of pride and affinity to the neighbourhood. We want to build on that."
melodyz@sph.com.sg
_________________________________________
Seriously speaking, were any of the streets named after your ancestor?
AS WELL as encouraging motorists to park considerately, organisers of the "Is this your grandfather's road?" campaign are seeking out the descendants of the 17 pioneers whom the streets of Tiong Bahru are named after.
"Their contributions will add to the body of knowledge about Singapore's very own pioneers and generate awareness among residents, their descendants and Singaporeans today about the impact they made on the community," said Mr Kelvin Ang, chairman of Seng Poh Residents' Committee. He hopes to erect storyboards in the estate bearing snippets of their biographies and accounts from family members.
The following pioneers are three of the personalities whom the streets are named after:
Tan Kim Ching (1829-1892); Kim Cheng Street
The eldest son of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng was one of Singapore's leading Chinese merchants of his time. He was also a member of the Royal Court of Siam.
Seah Eu Chin (1805-1883); Eu Chin Street
Seah was a wealthy Teochew merchant who made his fortune from the cultivation of pepper and gambier. He was also the founder of social welfare organisation Ngee Ann Kongsi.
Low Kim Pong (1837-1909); Kim Pong Road
The businessman and devout Buddhist is famous for his contributions to the building of the Siong Lim Temple in Kim Keat Road in 1902. He was also a founding member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
MELODY ZACCHEUS
By Melody Zaccheus
6th January 2014
Campaign urges motorists to use the 700 public parking spaces in estate
 |
| The leaflet also lists alternative parking spaces around the estate. -- ST PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG |
THE traffic snarl-ups that have plagued the narrow streets of the Tiong Bahru conservation estate for the past five years could soon become a thing of the past.
A new campaign - "Is this your grandfather's road?" - was launched yesterday as part of the Seng Poh Residents' Committee's kindness movement. It will encourage motorists to use the 700 public parking spaces across the estate instead of parking illegally.
Complaints from residents about inconsiderate drivers and congestion have been on the rise since cafes and eateries started setting up shop in the neighbourhood. Common black spots include the area around the Tiong Bahru market and Seng Poh Road.
"It now takes me six minutes to drive out of the estate via Tiong Poh Road on a weekend instead of the usual two minutes," said resident Choa Haw King, 37, a financial entrepreneur.
A group of 20 residents and volunteers took to the streets with Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Indranee Rajah yesterday morning to distribute pamphlets, detailing the locations of these parking spaces, and placing them on windscreens of illegally parked cars. The parking spaces include the freshly repaved open-air carpark at Block 78 and another in Seng Poh Lane.
 |
| Ms Indranee and volunteers giving out leaflets encouraging drivers to park at designated carpark spaces. -- ST PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG |
"Now that I know there are parking spaces for us, I will make the effort to park there," said lorry driver Raymond Oh, 43, who frequents the Qi Tian Gong temple and had parked illegally in Eng Hoon Street.
The initiative is part of a slew of measures rolled out by a seven- member task force set up by Ms Indranee last February to address "disamenities" caused by the rise in commercial activities in the residential estate.
Comprising residents' committee members and residents, it works with agencies such as the Land Transport Authority and the National Environment Agency.
Task force co-chairman Chris Hooi told The Straits Times: "The agencies used to act independently. The task force helps to coordinate and gel everyone together so that matters can be addressed quicker."
Over the past few months, the team has worked on adding 50 public parking spaces in Eng Hoon and Eng Watt streets and has improved walkways, lighting and landscaping on the streets of the 77-year-old estate. It has also addressed hygiene concerns such as rat infestations and littering.
The task force is monitoring the number and types of food and beverage outlets setting up shop there and helping to curb illegal sub-letting, alterations and additions to conservation buildings.
Ms Indranee said these will continue. Efforts will also be made this year to foster a stronger sense of identity among the estate's stakeholders. There are plans, for instance, to include facilities such as a chill-out area for youth.
"There are residents who have lived here for a long time and those who are new to the area," she said. "Both groups have a sense of pride and affinity to the neighbourhood. We want to build on that."
melodyz@sph.com.sg
_________________________________________
Seriously speaking, were any of the streets named after your ancestor?
AS WELL as encouraging motorists to park considerately, organisers of the "Is this your grandfather's road?" campaign are seeking out the descendants of the 17 pioneers whom the streets of Tiong Bahru are named after.
"Their contributions will add to the body of knowledge about Singapore's very own pioneers and generate awareness among residents, their descendants and Singaporeans today about the impact they made on the community," said Mr Kelvin Ang, chairman of Seng Poh Residents' Committee. He hopes to erect storyboards in the estate bearing snippets of their biographies and accounts from family members.
The following pioneers are three of the personalities whom the streets are named after:
Tan Kim Ching (1829-1892); Kim Cheng Street
The eldest son of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng was one of Singapore's leading Chinese merchants of his time. He was also a member of the Royal Court of Siam.
Seah Eu Chin (1805-1883); Eu Chin Street
Seah was a wealthy Teochew merchant who made his fortune from the cultivation of pepper and gambier. He was also the founder of social welfare organisation Ngee Ann Kongsi.
Low Kim Pong (1837-1909); Kim Pong Road
The businessman and devout Buddhist is famous for his contributions to the building of the Siong Lim Temple in Kim Keat Road in 1902. He was also a founding member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
MELODY ZACCHEUS
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Straits Times : At home in Tiong Bahru
Pre-war conserved apartments in Tiong Bahru have become popular with yuppies who like the area's nostalgic charm
The Straits Times
Life Section
24 September 2011
By huang huifen
Tiong Bahru is where the heart is for designer couple Terence Yeung and Bella Koh.
Mr Yeung, an interior designer-lecturer, and Ms Koh, a fashion consultant, lived in a third-floor unit in Eng Hoon Street for eight years. When they moved house in March this year, it was to a unit just two streets away.
Ms Koh, 30, says: 'We are reluctant to leave this neighbourhood because it is such a convenient location. It has a market and is just a few minutes away from town. It also has a charisma that keeps you here. It has evolved and has so many things happening now.'
The couple moved to a 1,350 sq ft two-bedroom apartment in Eng Watt Street because they had always wanted a ground-floor unit that had courtyard space for their eight cats to roam in.
The apartment cost more than $1 million and they splashed out a six-figure sum on renovations. Many of these apartments have less than 56 years left on their 99-year lease.
They figure the renovation will save them money in the long run. Mr Yeung, 41, says with a chuckle: 'We designed the house in such a way that it will be better than a hotel or a spa so that we don't have to travel anymore.'
Indeed, in a land-scarce city where space is a form of luxury in homes these days, the clever play of perspectives in this one evokes the feel of a luxe European hotel.
Take, for example, the 2.6m by 2.6m white French doors that separate the kitchen area from the bedrooms. Mr Yeung chose that height to create an illusion of space when entering the area leading to the bedroom.
'The entrance defines the experience when you enter a space. If you enter a narrow door, you will feel that the space is very tight and suffocating, and vice versa,' he says.
The illusion of space is repeated with a 3.2m by 4m six-door, white-washed oak bookshelf, the first thing you see when you walk through the French doors.
Similarly, the door leading to the master bedroom measures 3.2m by 0.9m, giving the sense of entering a spacious suite.
The spa mood is captured in their bedroom bathroom through the use of beige 'travertine' material for the wall, flooring and sink. A rainshower and bathtub complete the experience.
There are also green spaces, too. The airwell next to the kitchen is now a herb garden where Ms Koh can gather fresh ingredients for cooking. Two life-size deer stuffed by a taxidermist complete its wild look.
Mr Yeung's design agenda was influenced by the building's Art Deco style: 'The interior should have a European feel to complement the Art Deco architecture of the building.'
The aim to return to its roots also saw him reconfiguring the walls and doors of the original plan of the apartment. Yet it remains as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.
hfhuang@sph.com.sg
The Straits Times
Life Section
24 September 2011
By huang huifen
 |
| Mr Terence Yeung and Ms Bella Koh -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM |
Mr Yeung, an interior designer-lecturer, and Ms Koh, a fashion consultant, lived in a third-floor unit in Eng Hoon Street for eight years. When they moved house in March this year, it was to a unit just two streets away.
Ms Koh, 30, says: 'We are reluctant to leave this neighbourhood because it is such a convenient location. It has a market and is just a few minutes away from town. It also has a charisma that keeps you here. It has evolved and has so many things happening now.'
The couple moved to a 1,350 sq ft two-bedroom apartment in Eng Watt Street because they had always wanted a ground-floor unit that had courtyard space for their eight cats to roam in.
 |
| The courtyard (above) in their new ground-floor apartment is meant to be a space for their eight cats to roam in. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM |
They figure the renovation will save them money in the long run. Mr Yeung, 41, says with a chuckle: 'We designed the house in such a way that it will be better than a hotel or a spa so that we don't have to travel anymore.'
Indeed, in a land-scarce city where space is a form of luxury in homes these days, the clever play of perspectives in this one evokes the feel of a luxe European hotel.
Take, for example, the 2.6m by 2.6m white French doors that separate the kitchen area from the bedrooms. Mr Yeung chose that height to create an illusion of space when entering the area leading to the bedroom.
'The entrance defines the experience when you enter a space. If you enter a narrow door, you will feel that the space is very tight and suffocating, and vice versa,' he says.
The illusion of space is repeated with a 3.2m by 4m six-door, white-washed oak bookshelf, the first thing you see when you walk through the French doors.
Similarly, the door leading to the master bedroom measures 3.2m by 0.9m, giving the sense of entering a spacious suite.
The spa mood is captured in their bedroom bathroom through the use of beige 'travertine' material for the wall, flooring and sink. A rainshower and bathtub complete the experience.
There are also green spaces, too. The airwell next to the kitchen is now a herb garden where Ms Koh can gather fresh ingredients for cooking. Two life-size deer stuffed by a taxidermist complete its wild look.
 |
| The airwell next to the kitchen is now a herb garden (above). -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM |
The aim to return to its roots also saw him reconfiguring the walls and doors of the original plan of the apartment. Yet it remains as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.
hfhuang@sph.com.sg
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Sunday Times : Conserve facade, owners of pre-war units told
The Sunday Times
By Melody Zaccheus
12th May 2013
This, after the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) stepped up efforts to ensure renovation guidelines for the exterior of the 20 pre-war conservation flats and some shophouses are adhered to.
Notices were posted across the estate earlier this year informing and reminding both old and new residents to seek permission from the URA before works on the facade of their units are carried out.
Some of the guidelines, for instance, do not allow new awnings and planter racks to be added.
Letters have been issued to residents for flouting the guidelines.
The ramped-up effort comes a decade after the flats were awarded conservation status for their "rich history, unique architecture and familiar streetscapes" in 2003.
Residents said the delay in enforcing a standard look has resulted in some confusion.
Retiree Chan Chi Tin, 65, said it will be tricky to settle on a standard appearance for the blocks as older residents made alterations before the flats were even conserved.
Financial analyst Ben Gan, 29, who moved into the estate five months ago added that the approval process for his conservation flat meant that renovation took six months instead of three.
"It's a tricky balance for the agency. It needs to work towards a uniform look to preserve these one-of-a-kind pre-war flats while managing the expectations of owners," he said.
Built in the 1930s by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), the HDB's predecessor, these Art Deco-style flats make up Singapore's first public housing estate.
They come with separate rear service blocks, internal air-wells and signature spiral staircases.
These blocks are located in Tiong Poh Road, Seng Poh Road, Chay Yan Street, Eng Watt Street, Eng Hoon Street, Guan Chuan Street and Tiong Bahru Road.
A URA spokesman explained that efforts were ramped up "as more people move in and out of the estate".
"We thought that it was timely to create more awareness and remind owners about our conservation guidelines for the Tiong Bahru conserved blocks," she said.
Architect and art and design educator Tia Boon Sim, who has been sketching the neighbourhood since 2010, agreed.
The course manager at Temasek Polytechnic's School Of Design said she has noticed a 20 per cent rise in the number of units flouting guidelines, especially with more yuppies and young couples flocking to rent and buy units in the upmarket enclave.
According to the URA, the external facade and all key architectural elements of the flats must be retained and restored but owners have the flexibility to adapt the interiors to suit their needs.
Its spokesman added that guidelines are highlighted to home owners through several means, including information in HDB home renovation permits.
The agency also conducts periodic inspections of the conserved buildings and takes a case-by-case approach for home owners who flout the rules.
Owners who carried out renovation works before the blocks were gazetted for conservation can retain them for now, said the URA's spokesman. However, they are required to comply with the prevailing guidelines the next time their homes are renovated.
But some residents argued that more room should be given to customise the appearance of these flats, which come with a hefty price tag of about $1 million.
"Some of the modifications beautify the old buildings," said retiree Tony Tan, 65, who has lived in Tiong Bahru for 30 years.
While owners are allowed to replace the original mild steel- framed glazed casement windows on the facade of their homes, their size and proportions must remain the same. Vents must also be retained though owners can choose to seal them on the interior with plasterboard, glass or perspex.
Save for some corner flats, air-conditioning units are not allowed at the front of these blocks.
Graphic designer Alice Farmer, 33, who has lived in Tiong Bahru for two years, said she has kept renovations to a minimum. "Part of the appeal of these flats is that it's a heritage site. We should therefore continue to preserve the character of the estate."
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| These windows on the highest storey do not meet guidelines, says the URA. Some residents felt that awnings (below) and planters add colour to the estate. -- ST PHOTOS: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN |
Sunday, October 29, 2006
中峇鲁，拐个弯就是一道风景
没有到过中峇鲁，你很难想像繁忙的城市里还有这么一片清凉之地。 
它范围不大，小小的住宅区里都是战前的旧式组屋，空气里弥散着一种悠闲的味道，偶尔会看到有人走过，但多数时候看到的只是趴在墙角的懒洋洋的猫。
一个地方的气质跟历史的厚度有关。
它范围不大，小小的住宅区里都是战前的旧式组屋，空气里弥散着一种悠闲的味道，偶尔会看到有人走过，但多数时候看到的只是趴在墙角的懒洋洋的猫。
一个地方的气质跟历史的厚度有关。
中峇鲁发展于1936年，是英殖民政府兴建的第一批公共住屋，经历了战火，仍然完整地保存下来。 2003年，政府宣布中峇鲁为保留区，它与众不同的建筑外观，它的一砖一瓦，将永久成为我们历史遗产的一部分。中峇鲁是繁忙市区的一片清凉之地，空气弥散着一种悠闲的味道。
看到、听到、嗅到生活
老区的房子，连一楼都住满了一户户的人家，黄昏时分从他们的门前走过，生活，可以看到、听到、嗅到。
中峇鲁从很久以前就是一个令人垂涎的地方，咖啡店、菜馆、餐厅、煮炒店，加起来超过15家，镇中心的巴刹与熟食中心远近驰名，翻新以后，很不幸的变得格格不入，反而成了区内最煞风景的地方。
每一条街都是一部人物史
中峇鲁一带都是蜿蜒的小路，转一个弯就是一道风景。
从中峇鲁路转进忠坡路（Tiong Poh Road），包括英云街（Eng Hoon Street）、林烈街（Lim Liak Street）、成保路（Seng Poh Road）、成保巷（Seng Poh Lane）、永发街（Eng Watt Street）、齐贤街（Chay Yan Street）、永锡街（Yong Siak Street）、茂源台（Moh Guan Terrace）、源全街（Guan Chuan Street）、有进街（Eu Chin Street）、金榜路（Kim Pong Road），都构成中峇鲁的命脉。
根据《南洋年鉴》和《南洋历史》记载，这些路名都是为纪念19世纪华社名人而取的。如金榜路是为纪念大慈善家刘金榜，有进街是为纪念义安公司的主要创始人佘有进，忠坡路是为纪念福建籍富商邱忠坡，齐贤街则是纪念陈笃生的孙子陈齐贤。他是新马橡胶业的开路先锋，最早把树胶作为园丘式经营。每一条街都是一部人物史。
在中峇鲁，还有百年老庙、古早的咖啡店、50年不变的杂货店和当铺、伤痕累累的防空壕，以及郁达夫在《星洲日报》担任副刊编辑时，曾经住过的房子。
今年底，中峇鲁第53和第54座组屋将改建成酒店，届时，可以想见，这个老区将有另一番风景。
找到中峇鲁的字典
写中峇鲁的故事，最大收获是认识了吴玉桂老先生。
吴玉桂肖猴，今年76岁，是齐天宫的顾问，庙里理事说：“他是第一百零一个老中峇鲁，其他的搬的搬、走的走（故世），现在只剩他一个了，中峇鲁的历史你问他吧，他最清楚。”
吴老先生为人风趣，学养很好，问起我的父母亲，都用令尊令堂。他老当益壮，但不认老，开一辆马赛地轿车，每天还到自己的公司上班。开头我叫他老伯，他作恼怒状，于是我赶紧改口叫他大叔。哈哈。
看着一栋栋房子建起来又看着它们拆除
吴大叔在中峇鲁出世、长大，父亲是齐天宫的乩童，一家人就住在齐天宫楼上。他指着英云路上的老房子说：“我看着它们一栋栋建起来，现在又看着它们一栋栋的拆除重建。”
吴大叔一直住在中峇鲁，间中有段时间搬到乌节一带，不久又搬回老地方，现住在金殿路，跟我算是街坊。
大叔是中峇鲁的“地方领袖”，担任中峇鲁联络所主席有30年之久，现在还是联络所的顾问。
他看尽中峇鲁的变迁，在情感上，一辈子与中峇鲁有着千丝万缕的关系。他说：“中峇鲁以前都是有钱人住的地方，生活起码要在中等以上才有资格住进来。这里住了很多文人，也有很多人在这里包二奶。”
齐天宫斜对面是忠坡路，吴大叔说：“郁达夫当年就住在忠坡路的一个单位。”后来我回报馆查资料，发现记载的是第65座组屋三楼24号。大叔还说，中国大画家刘海粟也住过中峇鲁。
访问第二天早上，约了吴大叔拍照，他知道我想到防空壕看看，慷慨的充当我的车夫，用他的马赛地把我载到茂源台。
茂源台的老房子俗称五层楼，建成一个马蹄形，楼房后面是停车场，废弃已久的防空壕就在楼房后面的底层，面对停车场，大门深锁，并不是我原先所以为的什么秘密通道。要不是吴大叔带路，我恐怕找上一天都找不到。
大叔说，这是英国人设计的老房子，建得铜墙铁壁，坚硬非常，钉子钉不进，大战期间炸弹下来，也只是打穿一个小洞，底层拿来做防空壕最合适不过。
大叔曾经带电视台的摄影队到里面拍摄，被蚊子叮得全身又红又肿，他问：“你想进去吗？可以跟市镇会申请，让他们给你开门。”我想到他的惨痛经历，当然不敢轻举妄动。
<联合早报>（编辑：陈颖佳）
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wallpaper Magazine (Issue : Nov 08) : Up and Coming
I got this Tiong Bahru story from Sylvia Tan today.
She spotted this story in the Wallpaper Magazine (November 2009 issue)
As the file came in a PDF version and I do not know how to convert PDF files to JPEG files, I'm reproducing the entire article for your reading pleasure.
Here is the excerpts:
By Singaporean standards, the Tiong Bahru estate is an odd duck.
On the surface, the quarter is a charming mix of well-preserved mid-1930s, three-storey buildings and a string of early 1950s art deco-styled flats.
A fading Buddhist temple hugs a street corner, while across the road, raucous hawker stalls dish out succulent roast duck rice and flourescent-lit convenience stalls sell bicycle parts.
Squint a little and this could easily be Singapore 30 years ago, even though the skyscrapers of Raffles Place are just minutes away.
But over the past few years, the quarter's ageing residents and nuclear families have seen an influx of 30-somethings - among them a sizeable gay community.
Attracted by the relatively low property prices and period architecture, architect Ken Wong and his journalist boyfried moved into the estate two years ago.
"This is the only area where heritage apartments don't have purchase restrictions," says Wong, referring to government regulations that usually limit purchases of property to married couples or singletons over 35.
Savvy businesses are responding to this new demographic.
Organic store Yes Natural (#01-27, 58 Seng Poh Road, tel:+65 6227 3280) offers organic treats; while Rice Fields (#01-06, 66 Eng Watt Street, tel:+65 6227 3456) stocks imported European stone, and swanky bathroom sinks and tiles.
At night, Wine Wise (#01-86, 57 Eng Hoon Street, tel:+65 6227 2118) pulls in oenophiles, while Persimmon (#01-07, 50 Tiong Bahru Road, tel: +65 6227 2271) does a mean East-meets-West menu.
"This area is a modern urban village," says local health-care worker Tristan Lim.
"There's a party at someone's place every other weekend."
Welcome to the new Singapore.
Daven Wu.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Sunday Times - Cool, edgy vibe in Tiong Bahru
The Sunday Times
13th February 2011
By Natasha Ann Zachariah
The opening of art galleries and design studios has added to the bohemian charm of the neighbourhood
ST PHOTOS: CHEW SENG KIM
Amid the mom-and-pop hardware and provision shops in Tiong Bahru, art galleries, indie stores and design studios have been popping up recently, lending new charm to the bohemian neighbourhood.
The laid-back, chilled-out vibe of Yong Siak Street was one of the factors enticing bookstore BooksActually to move from its Club Street location.
Books Actually @ Yong Siak Street - ST PHOTOS: CHEW SENG KIM
Mr Kenny Leck, 32, co-founder and owner of the indie store, says: 'The feel of the place fits in with our store concept and it's an area that's familiar to me and my staff.'
Cheaper rent and a bigger space were also incentives. The new single-level store, which is set to open at the end of this month, is 2,200 sq ft and he pays one-third less rent than the previous location.
Tiong Bahru was gazetted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority as a conservation area in 2003.
The pre-war walk-up apartments found in Eng Hoon Street, Chay Yan Street and Seng Poh Road among others, feature architectural touches such as air wells, rounded balconies, back lanes and spiral staircases, uncommon to public housing in Singapore.
The colonial-era buildings, which go up to five storeys, have some ground-floor units that have been designated for commercial usage.
Another recent addition to the street is 40 Hands, a 50-seater speciality coffee shop set up by Perth native Harry Grover and his brother, which opened in October last year.
The 30-year-old barista tells LifeStyle that he had offers to start his first shop in malls such as Wheelock Place in the Orchard Road area, but felt that Tiong Bahru was a 'cool neighbourhood'.
'It's a bit run-down, but it's definitely edgy and it's such a hole-in-the-wall location.'
Art galleries have also added to the chi-chi factor of the area. There are now three galleries in Guan Chuan Street.
White Canvas Gallery opened in October 2009 and owner Maria Ng says the neighbourliness of Tiong Bahru residents gives the place a 'kampung feel'.
Ms Ng, 45, who also runs a private art gallery five doors away, says: 'Everyone knows everyone here. It's so informal, even for an art gallery. You don't need to be dressed up to walk in.'
White Canvas Gallery @ Guan Chuan Street - ST PHOTOS: CHEW SENG KIM
For others, the versatility of the interior space was a pull factor.
Artist and author Joanna Wong, 51, bought a ground-floor unit last year to set up her own private art gallery and studio, Jo's Creations, to work on her oil paintings.
The ex-banker paid $838,000 for the unit and knocked down the interior bedroom walls to create a more open concept.
The gallery opens next weekend and she says: 'It's a great area to showcase my art- works and books. It's also such a cosy village, with no tall Housing Board flats in your face.'
Jo's Creations @ Guan Chuan Street - ST PHOTOS: CHEW SENG KIM
Real estate analyst Tejaswi Chunduri of online portal PropertyGuru.com.sg says that Tiong Bahru is a hot location to buy or rent property as it is well-served by basic amenities such as schools, public transport and food centres and is located close to town.
She adds: 'From a business perspective, it is more affordable when compared to the same offerings in nearby areas such as Tanjong Pagar, where rent can cost at least $450 more a month for a 1,200 sq ft unit.'
Convenience and price aside, another draw is nostalgia for Tiong Bahru.
For independent curator Terence Yeung, 40, living here now with his designer wife brings back memories of the days when his parents lived there and dated each other.
They were childhood friends who lived only streets apart - his mother in Moh Guan Terrace and his father in Seng Poh Road - and who later became sweethearts.
Mr Yeung, who moved into the area seven years ago, says: 'The character of the place, the space and its people hold a certain charm in everyday living.'
One of the first design businesses there, architectural materials showroom RICE, which moved to Eng Watt Street from Kallang five years ago, welcomes the new businesses to the neighbourhood.
Mr Alan Tan, 38, director of the 10- year-old boutique stone and Italian tiles provider, believes the area's design for commercial units, which are spread out over five streets, allows each business to add its own style to the mix without being too overwhelming.
'We complement one another well and we are a close-knit community, but we each have our own character,' he says.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
New "Enhancement"
This rustic laid back image has been erased forever. For the whole of last week, I was wondering why there were so much hacking and drilling activities and I thought a new neighbour was renovating their place.
It was only when I was walking to the Tiong Bahru Market that I spotted some workers along this pavement. I thought they were repairing the drains or just doing some resurfacing of the walkways as there were some cracks along the pavement. Perhaps someone complained about those cracks as it made roller blading a little bit more challenging.
Anyway, I walked off thinking that it was just some routine maintenance undertaken by the Tanjong Pagar Town Council who responded to some of the resident's frivolous request.
Saw this yesterday while on the way to Eng Watt Street. So not only did the town council made this pavement a better place to roller blade, they made it a nicer place to roller blade as well!I hope this "enhancement" will quell all talks about this place being en-bloc in the near future.
By the way, I do not know how to roller blade and I am hoping to learn it someday. Yes, someday.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
It should not have happened here!
(By the way, seeing ambulances here in Tiong Bahru is nothing unusual as most elderly residents seemed to get to the hospital via one and so I thought nothing about it.)
This time around it seemed a bit different.
First, there was a small crowd and I was stopped by a medic so that they can push their equipments across Lim Liak Street.
As I drove past the crowd, I saw blood stains on someone who is seated on a kerb in between two vehicles!
“Hah?! Road accident along this stretch of road?” I thought to myself.
“Couldn’t be serious and the blood was probably from an abrasion”.
Anyway, I parked my car and walked back to “kay poh”(busybody).
The first thing that caught my eye was the circular shaped dent on the wind screen of the white car.
She is conscious and her head was bandaged, but with head injuries, you can never be too sure.
Let’s all pray for her and wish her a speedy and full recovery.
Lim Liak Street is not an expressway and all drivers should exercise caution when they drive around this estate.
The following are some possible reasons why they (me included) should slow down:
1) Residents can dart across the road without looking.
2) Bicycles and motorbikes will ride in the wrong directions.
3) Sometimes, cars will move in the wrong direction as well.
4) Cars will stop suddenly without warnings.
(This is very rampant along Seng Poh Road)
5) Car doors will swing open suddenly.
6) Car will also turn where they are not supposed to turn or emerge from places where you least expected (The junction along Seng Poh Road and Eng Watt Street is one such place)
7) Not every driver remembers their highway code and they drive in a very unpredictable way.
If everyone play their part, (PEDESTRIANS included), then such accidents should never ever happen.
Let’s go for ZERO accidents.
Monday, July 29, 2013
The Straits Times : Rats! Tiong Bahru faces gnawing problem
The Straits Times
29th July 2013
By Melody Zaccheus
Residents blame lack of covered drains and growing number of eateries
THE increasing sight of rats in the 77-year-old Tiong Bahru estate has become a cause of alarm for residents, who say that the rising number of eateries there is one reason for the problem.
Over the last six months, rodents have been seen scurrying in broad daylight, with some even running into ground floor units of homes and shops.
"There's definitely a growing presence of rats along Tiong Poh Road and Seng Poh Road. I will spot one almost every time I walk there," said teacher Fred Ong, 30, adding that some of these pests were "huge".
"It's never been this bad," said Madam Yee Kwai Wing.
The 76-year-old, who has lived there since 1986, spots two or three rats outside her ground floor flat at 73 Eng Watt Street almost every day.
Unsealed gaps along drains which run along some ground floor units provide perfect hiding and nesting spots.
"They find their way out from the many gaps in our drains, pipes and holes in the ground, to eat the garbage residents and restaurants throw away," she explained.
Minimart owner Rodney Goh believes the problem is made worse by the lack of a centralised rubbish chute system at the estate.
Instead, rubbish bins line the backs of the old blocks, some of which were built by the Singapore Improvement Trust in the 1930s.
As not all residents dispose of their refuse properly, the waste food only encourages rats to set up home, he added.
"Sometimes when it rains, the drains flood and the rats run in through our shop's front entrance," said the 58-year-old.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) told The Straits Times that it found 26 rat burrows during its latest inspection last Wednesday.
This was after the agency found 16 burrows, which were subsequently treated and sealed by the Tanjong Pagar Town Council's (TPTC) pest control team, in common areas of the estate during a routine check on June 27.
NEA said that the town council has been advised to "intensify surveillance and treatment to reduce the rat population".
Last week, it was reported that more than 10 rodent nests were found in the nearby Bukit Merah estate, which also comes under the TPTC.
Rodents typically nest and burrow in the ground, under buildings, and in rubbish and other types of litter. In 2010, the NEA found 1,687 areas with rats, three times more than the 443 the year before. The Norway rat species makes up 90 per cent of the rodents in Singapore.
"The number of rats per burrow really depends on the time they are left alone to breed. Over time, they can form an underground network," said technical specialist Hadi Hanafi, 31, from Maximum Pest Management.
Tanjong Pagar MP Indranee Rajah has asked the town council and grassroots to address the growing rat problem.
"They will be checking on the eateries and adopting measures to control the problem. When dealing with rats we need to find out where the burrows and food sources are."
She added that rubbish should be secured tightly in bins as plastic bags alone do not suffice.
While the NEA said it has taken action against a food operator in Tiong Bahru, other operators in the area were found to be clean, with proper refuse management and food storage.
But it also reminded them to continue making sure that waste food is properly disposed of.
The Orange Thimble cafe in Tiong Bahru hires its own pest control company to ensure that it stays rodent free.
Said its manager Dewihajar Ali, 34: "Our pest control guy comes by at least once a month. He places a certain type of chemical in the drain to make sure the rats stay away.
"We need to be responsible over our garbage and make sure the bags are secured tightly. It will be good if every establishment does its part."
melodyz@sph.com.sg
29th July 2013
By Melody Zaccheus
Residents blame lack of covered drains and growing number of eateries
 |
| -- PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN |
Over the last six months, rodents have been seen scurrying in broad daylight, with some even running into ground floor units of homes and shops.
"There's definitely a growing presence of rats along Tiong Poh Road and Seng Poh Road. I will spot one almost every time I walk there," said teacher Fred Ong, 30, adding that some of these pests were "huge".
"It's never been this bad," said Madam Yee Kwai Wing.
The 76-year-old, who has lived there since 1986, spots two or three rats outside her ground floor flat at 73 Eng Watt Street almost every day.
Unsealed gaps along drains which run along some ground floor units provide perfect hiding and nesting spots.
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| The lack of a centralised rubbish chute system and irresponsible disposal of rubbish (above) do not help the situation. -- ST PHOTOS: DESMOND WEE |
Minimart owner Rodney Goh believes the problem is made worse by the lack of a centralised rubbish chute system at the estate.
Instead, rubbish bins line the backs of the old blocks, some of which were built by the Singapore Improvement Trust in the 1930s.
As not all residents dispose of their refuse properly, the waste food only encourages rats to set up home, he added.
"Sometimes when it rains, the drains flood and the rats run in through our shop's front entrance," said the 58-year-old.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) told The Straits Times that it found 26 rat burrows during its latest inspection last Wednesday.
This was after the agency found 16 burrows, which were subsequently treated and sealed by the Tanjong Pagar Town Council's (TPTC) pest control team, in common areas of the estate during a routine check on June 27.
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| The lack (above) of a centralised rubbish chute system and irresponsible disposal of rubbish do not help the situation. -- ST PHOTOS: DESMOND WEE |
Last week, it was reported that more than 10 rodent nests were found in the nearby Bukit Merah estate, which also comes under the TPTC.
Rodents typically nest and burrow in the ground, under buildings, and in rubbish and other types of litter. In 2010, the NEA found 1,687 areas with rats, three times more than the 443 the year before. The Norway rat species makes up 90 per cent of the rodents in Singapore.
"The number of rats per burrow really depends on the time they are left alone to breed. Over time, they can form an underground network," said technical specialist Hadi Hanafi, 31, from Maximum Pest Management.
Tanjong Pagar MP Indranee Rajah has asked the town council and grassroots to address the growing rat problem.
"They will be checking on the eateries and adopting measures to control the problem. When dealing with rats we need to find out where the burrows and food sources are."
She added that rubbish should be secured tightly in bins as plastic bags alone do not suffice.
While the NEA said it has taken action against a food operator in Tiong Bahru, other operators in the area were found to be clean, with proper refuse management and food storage.
But it also reminded them to continue making sure that waste food is properly disposed of.
The Orange Thimble cafe in Tiong Bahru hires its own pest control company to ensure that it stays rodent free.
Said its manager Dewihajar Ali, 34: "Our pest control guy comes by at least once a month. He places a certain type of chemical in the drain to make sure the rats stay away.
"We need to be responsible over our garbage and make sure the bags are secured tightly. It will be good if every establishment does its part."
melodyz@sph.com.sg
Monday, January 12, 2009
TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA
This is the official name for people with a fear for the NUMBER 13.
So what is the connection of this fear to the Tiong Bahru Estate?
The person who “numbered” all the units here was probably suffering from TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA.
To confirm this, just take a walk to Block 73 Eng Watt Street, Block 78 Moh Guan Terrace and Block 82 Seng Poh Road and you would have noticed that unit number 13 is missing.
For example, there will be a #01-11 and a #01-15 and you will never be able to find a #01-13, #02-13, #03-13 or #04-13.
This post may seem a bit rush as I do not wish to post it tomorrow. LOL
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Boys’ Brigade Connection
I've just finished dinner at the Tiong Bahru Market when I bumped into a familiar face while walking toward the escalator.This person was wearing a Boys’ Brigade officer’s uniform.
“Wah, you are an officer now?” I asked Timothy. “Not too long ago, you were just a Private.”
“Yes Sir, I just finished my Basic Officer Training Course.” Timothy replied.
“Please lah, don’t call me Sir, just call me Alvin”, I said.
“Cannot lah, must call you Sir.” Tim replied............
(The rest of the conversations are too mundane to be blogged)
In case you are thinking that I’m going off tangent, hold your horses 1st.
There is actually a connection between the Boys’ Brigade in Singapore and the Tiong Bahru Estate!
The connection lies in the founder of the 1st Singapore BB Company, Mr James Milner Fraser.
And since I spent my A LOT (And I mean a LOT!) of my time in the BB from 11 years old till I took my ‘O’ levels, I am especially elated to stumbled onto this piece of information.
From official records, Mr James Milner Fraser was already working for the Singapore Improvement Trust in 1927 as a Town Planning Assistant.
So the Pre-War Section of the Tiong Bahru Estate may have traces of his work already!
And I’m pretty sure he played a huge role in the post war series of Tiong Bahru as he was promoted to Manager of the Trust in 1946 and supervised many major developments, including more than 10,000 houses, shops and flats, as well as writing a number of papers and reports on town planning and housing issues.
Prior to coming to Singapore as a young architect in 1927, Mr James Milner Fraser was already very much into the BB movement; having grew up in the 23rd Aberdeen Company and later became a BB officer in the 23rd London Company.
The Singapore BB Story was in fact made possible by 2 men who have a deep love and respect for the movement and a chance sighting of a BB buttonhole along the streets of Singapore.
BB Ex-Sergeant Quek Eng Moh, a Swatow Old Boy was just walking along some streets in Singapore when he saw the BB buttonhole on Mr James M Fraser.
Fortunately it was not just a “Hi-Bye” kinda encounter between these 2 people.
They went on to start Singapore’s 1st BB Company on 12th January 1930 at Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church.
The block of flats next to this church is exactly the same as the Post War Tiong Bahru flats. So now you know who was responsible for that design
I’m proud to have been a part of this life changing movement.
Here’s more information about Mr James Milner Fraser, Singapore’s BB Founder:
James Milner Fraser was born on 5 January 1905 and was articled to James Cobban of Aberdeen in June 1920.
When Cobban ceased practice in September 1923, Fraser transferred to the office of George Watt, where he completed his apprenticeship in June 1925.
Throughout this period he studied at Aberdeen School of Architecture, Alexander Gordon being among his tutors.
He then moved to London where he joined the LCC Housing Department as an architectural assistant and studied at the Regent Street Polytechnic and at the Northern Polytechnic, Holloway Road.
In 1926 he made a study tour of Rome, Florence and Paris, and in the same year took a position as assistant architect in West Ham Borough Council.
The following year he emigrated to Singapore where he joined the Singapore Improvement Trust, working in the Municipal Offices under his former tutor and fellow émigré Alexander Gordon.
He passed the final exam in Singapore in August 1928 and was admitted ARIBA in late 1929, proposed by Gordon, Percy Hubert Keys and another.
By the mid-1940s he had been promoted to the position of Manager to the Trust, and in the ensuing years supervised major developments including more than 10,000 houses, shops and flats, as well as writing a number of papers and reports on town planning and housing issues.
He was admitted FRIBA in 1955, by which time he had been awarded a CBE.
He subsequently returned to Scotland, probably to retire, and he died at Cults, Aberdeenshire in November 1978, survived by his wife Alice.
Me in the Junior Section of the 25th Singapore BB Company a very long time ago
Me in the era where it was NORMAL for the spectacles frame to cover half your face
We had a lot of fun performing even though we played worse than the neighbourhood funeral band
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