Litter left in estates after Deepavali, 4 cleaners took 3 hours to clean up Punggol playground, resident says he understands as it's 'once-a-year' event

Following Deepavali, photos and videos of burned sparklers, used boom bags, and confetti left behind at public spaces made their rounds online, inviting divided responses.

Difficult post to put up: Tanjong Rhu RN

In a Facebook post on Oct. 23, the Tanjong Rhu Residents' Network (RN) appealed for the public to bin their litter, pointing to what appear to be scenes following Deepavali celebrations.

The RN wrote that it was a "difficult post to put up", but did so to create awareness of "this issue" in hopes of preventing its recurrence next year.

"We felt it was important to bring attention to this issue," the RN wrote.

The RN added that it requested "everyone who celebrates" to follow it up by binning all their litter.

"Our public spaces must be left clean and green, in just the same way that we enjoy them so much," the RN said.

"It is our collective responsibility to keep them clean," it added.

Along with the post, the RN uploaded photos of piles of burned sparklers left along side walks.

In one photo, what looks to be sparkler wrappers and used boom bags could also be seen strewn across a field.

Earlier on Oct. 17, the RN made a separate Facebook post reminding residents who will be celebrating Deepavali to bin their litter and help keep public spaces clean.

Similar scenes in other estates

Similar scenes were spotted at beaches, along roads and in other estates, such as in Punggol, Shin Min Daily News reported on Oct. 22.

When Shin Min visited on Oct. 21, large amounts of confetti covered the playground next to Block 270 Punggol Field.

What appeared to be burn marks could also be observed on the ground, with burned sparklers and used boom bags left on the grass nearby.

A resident who wished to remain anonymous told Shin Min that he takes his grandson to the playground every morning.

However, after seeing the state of the playground that morning, he decided to return home.

A 45-year-old resident, Hanili (transliteration), who has lived nearby for 17 years, shared that she, too, avoided the playground.

She pointed out that it was not until the afternoon that she saw the place being cleaned up.

She added: "It wasn't this bad last year. It seemed to have gotten worse."

Took four hours to clean up playground

One cleaner at the Punggol estate told Shin Min that in the lead-up to Deepavali, notices were put up to remind revellers to keep public spaces clean during and after the festivities.

"I've been working here for several years, and this happens every year. The four of us spent three hours cleaning up the playground," he said.

We all celebrate our festivals in our own ways: Resident

Near Block 116 Hougang Avenue 1, one resident, Huang (transliteration), 72, shared that he did not hold it against the celebrants, as it was a once-in-a-year festival that only lasts a couple of hours.

"We all have our own festivals, so I can understand. What's more, there are people to help clean up the next morning, so I can accept it. After all, everyone celebrates their festivals in their own ways," Huang added.

Top image via Shin Min Daily News, Reddit