A Tampines Street 41 HDB flat owner, who installed glass panels around the four steps to his ground floor flat to create a fish tank, has been ordered to remove the structure.

The Straits Times reported that HDB said on Tuesday, Jan. 15, that the tank would have to be removed as it poses safety concerns.

Potentially dangerous

The tank "could potentially lead to injuries or fatalities" as it is located along a common corridor, HDB said.

"The flat owner has fundamentally altered the entrance steps into a koi tank, which poses several safety issues," HDB told ST.

HDB cited the example that the koi tank can shatter on impact as it is made of glass.

Unsupervised children may also climb or fall into the tank as the top is not enclosed.

HDB also said the electrical sockets and cables connected to the tank that are exposed to weather elements poses safety issues.

The guiding principle for town councils in managing the use of public spaces is that safety must not be compromised, HDB said.

The tank has been put up for more than three years before a photo of it was taken and shared on social media, which then became a talking point.

Owner did not ask for permission

It was previously reported that the owner who put up the tank was not aware that he needed permission to make the alteration.

He then applied for permission in August 2018.

Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng said then that the "creative" tank was likely to be allowed, as long as it was found to be structurally sound and safe.

The owner of the fish tank owns both HDB flat units on the ground floor.

To gain access into the flats, the occupants enter the house via the other set of steps at the adjacent unit.

The owner also previously said the tank was for all residents to enjoy.

Top photo via Lim Weixiang

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