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New homeowners for the Fernvale Dew BTO project claimed they were "in for a shock" when they started collecting their keys this February.

A Mothership reader, who claimed to be a resident of the Sengkang HDB project, complained about the "massive number of defects".

She provided photos showing ponding outside her unit after it rained and shared a video of rainwater splashing heavily onto a pedestrian linkway in another block.

She also claimed that there were scratches on her unit's doorframes, chipped tiles, and an unsatisfactory paint job, amongst other problems.

"Is this the kind of substandard HDB flat that we have to accept after waiting years for?" she wrote.

Residents start online petition

She was not alone in her concerns. An online petition started by other Fernvale Dew residents to complain about the "multiple" defects found in the new BTO project gathered over 120 signatures by Apr. 5.

The petition, titled "Feedback on shoddy workmanship Fernvale Dew", was launched on Change.org by Kelvin Leong, who claimed to be a Fernvale Dew resident.

"Most of the owners, especially those batches who collected keys in early Feb 2023, identified multiple defects with shoddy workmanship, ranging from hollow and chipped tiles, scratches on the main door, scratches on bedroom doors and frames, slanted skirtings, DB (distribution box) cabinets and many more," Leong wrote.

Member of Parliament for Fernvale, Gan Thiam Poh, also wrote a post on Facebook, acknowledging residents' "disappointment, frustration, and concern".

Majority of the issues have been resolved within two weeks: HDB

In response to Mothership's queries, HDB clarified that most of the residents' feedback pertains to minor defects on surfaces, fixtures and fittings, such as uneven wall surfaces or painting, scratches on doors or window frames, and skirting joints.

"These defects do not affect the structural integrity of the building nor compromise the functionality or liveability of the flats, and can usually be rectified easily and fairly quickly."

HDB also explained that all newly completed HDB flats are covered by a one-year defects liability period, effective from the date of key collection. During this period, flat owners can report defects to the on-site BSC, which will arrange a joint inspection with the owner. Upon confirming the defects, a BTO contractor "will target to complete rectification works within 14 working days".

HDB added that in the case of Fernvale Dew, the vast majority of issues reported by residents had been resolved within two weeks.

Ponding issue has been investigated and resolved: HDB

Additionally, HDB shared that it has investigated the ponding issue and found that it was caused by some of the water discharge points being partially blocked by debris from the ongoing works at the sky terrace.

"The issue has since been resolved after we cleared the debris and further extended the scupper drain along the common corridor to improve drainage," it said.

On water splashing onto a linkway, HDB explained that this was due to rainwater flowing through a gap at the canopy roof of the landscape deck. The gap has been sealed, and a pipe has also been installed to drain the rainwater away.

Construction works are still ongoing

HDB explained that Fernvale Dew consists of 10 residential blocks comprising 1188 units.

"To ensure that flat buyers can move into their new homes as quickly as possible, HDB has been working with the contractor to prioritise the construction works/areas to be completed," it said.

Seven of the 10 residential blocks have been completed as of Mar. 31, and the remaining blocks are targeted for completion by mid-April 2023.

HDB stated that there would be ongoing construction work in some areas within the development as the keys are progressively being handed out.

HDB said, "We thank residents of Fernvale Dew for their feedback and seek their continued patience as we work with the BTO contractor to rectify any remaining defects in a timely manner."

Top image ub Nam Hing Ng/ Google, picture and video screenshot courtesy of Mothership reader.