Clogged sewers forces 7 stallholders at Ang Mo Kio market to run business standing in dirty water

At least seven stallholders were forced to run their business while standing in dirty water on Oct. 12 morning at Ang Mo Kio 628 Market located at Ang Mo Kio Ave 4.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, one stallholder said their predicament was caused by clogging in the sewage system, which had happened "almost every Saturday over the past month".

According to a video taken by a stallholder, surnamed Lu (transliteration), who sells bak kut teh, brown effluent water could be seen covering the ground of her stall and almost reaching the ankles.

Afflicted by drainage problem 'for months'

Lu told Shin Min that while the clogged sewers were a problem that had been afflicting some stallholders for some time, the issue was "not as serious" initially.

However, the situation "deteriorated drastically over the last few months", with the latest clogging on Oct. 12 causing the sewage to "flow back into her stall" and "affect her business severely".

Lu's sentiments were echoed by a drinks stallholder, surnamed Lin (transliteration), who shared that the clogging took place at around 8am but was only fixed at around 10am.

According to Lin, the two hours had been "particularly onerous" for her family, as they had to run their business while wading through dirty water.

"The water was dirty and oily, and it made us uncomfortable. It also made our business suffer to a certain extent, as some customers would walk away when they saw the water at our stall," added Lin.

'Endangering safety of stallholders & customers'

According to a stallholder who sells Malay cuisine, named Siti (transliteration), the slippery floor had caused an elderly passer-by to lose her balance and fall last week, reported Shin Min.

"Until the problem with the drainage system is solved, we will not be able to run our businesses with peace of mind. The problem will never be eradicated if we only ask the town council for help whenever a clogging occurs," shared Siti.

Hope authorities can investigate, solve problem

A spokesperson from the market merchant's association, surnamed Lin (transliteration), said he has never received any feedback regarding the drainage system, reported Shin Min.

The association will discuss and reach a solution once it has received information on the sewer problem, according to Lin.

Lin added that his seafood stall had never encountered such issues compared to other stallholders, even though they all "have the same drainage system design".

As Lin would throw trash separately and would only dispose water through the sewers, he theorised that the stallholders' problem "might have something to do with their habits".

In response, the stallholders who spoke to Shin Min said they have never thrown trash down the sewers.

Instead, they urged the authorities to conduct "a thorough investigation" and "resolve the clogging problem as soon as possible".

Top images via Shin Min Daily News