Metal bar that damaged Yishun HDB roof slipped from workers' hands, SLA investigation finds

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has released findings into the May 2 incident at the Chong Pang City construction site, where a falling metal bar damaged part of the roof along the common corridor of Block 103 Yishun Ring Road.

An investigation conducted by an appointed Qualified Person (QP) found that the metal bar had slipped from workers' hands during dismantling works.

In a statement on May 25, SLA said:

"The bar then struck a nearby material stacking rack, which caused the metal bar to deflect out of the work area and damage part of the roof of Block 103."

The QP also confirmed the roof of Block 103 has no structural defects, and that the flats and common corridor remain safe for residents.

Stop Work Order lifted; works to resume May 26

According to the statement, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) had issued a Stop Work Order (SWO) on May 4, a day after the incident.

The QP submitted an investigation report to BCA on May 8. Following BCA's review and acceptance of the proposed remedial measures, the SWO was lifted on May 20.

Construction works at Chong Pang City are expected to resume on May 26.

Additional safety measures will be put in place before work resumes.

These include full-height safety catch nets along the building perimeter, additional plywood barriers at dismantling areas, and the removal of all stacking racks and loose materials from dismantling areas.

Repairs to the damaged roof at Block 103 are also scheduled to begin on May 26 and are expected to be completed by June 3.

SLA said residents can continue to use the common area and access the corridor during the repair works, as the overall roof structure remains intact and safe.

What happened on May 2

A metal bar fell from an upper floor of the Chong Pang City integrated development construction site on the evening of May 2, landing on the adjacent Block 103 Yishun Ring Road and damaging part of the roof along the common corridor.

SLA said at the time that there were no reported injuries and no damage to the interior of any flats. The affected area was cordoned off as a precautionary measure.

The main contractor, Rich Construction Company Pte Ltd, informed SLA of the incident.

Shanmugam video calls residents

Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam also held a video call with affected residents of Block 103 on the evening of May 25, together with grassroots leaders, SLA, and the contractor.

In a Facebook post, he said the call was to share the investigation findings, explain the additional safety precautions being put in place, and hear residents' concerns.

He wrote:

"Safety must continue to be the top priority as works resume. We will continue working closely with residents, the agencies and the contractor to ensure the repair works are carried out carefully, safely and with minimal disruption to the community."

SLA echoed the sentiment in its statement:

"The safety of residents, workers and the surrounding community remains our top priority. We apologise for the anxiety and inconvenience caused to the residents."