S'pore woman finds 2 holes in temp bathroom wall while showering during HDB HIP works

A woman in Singapore, whose flat was undergoing the Housing and Development Board's (HDB) Home Improvement Programme (HIP), said she discovered holes in the wall of a temporary bathroom while showering, prompting her to file a police report over safety concerns.

Two holes found

According to Shin Min Daily News, the incident took place at Block 536 Serangoon North Avenue 4.

The woman said she noticed two holes in the bathroom wall at about chest height while showering one evening.

Upon closer inspection, she realised she could see through them.

She said she tried to plug one of the holes with wet toilet paper when, suddenly, someone allegedly inserted a stone-like object through the other hole from outside the cubicle.

Startled, she said she banged on the partition and shouted for the person to stop, after which the other hole was also plugged from the outside.

Concerned for her safety, the woman said she did not dare to continue showering.

She quickly rinsed off before leaving the cubicle to inspect the area behind it and call the police.

When Shin Min visited the site, they found that the holes had been sealed.

One resident in the same block said she had chosen not to use the temporary bathroom as she found it inconvenient, and opted to stay with her parents instead while her home was undergoing renovations.

Another resident said she saw workers inspecting the temporary bathroom cubicles on Jun. 20 and overheard them saying they were checking for holes.

HDB's response

In response to queries from Shin Min, HDB said it had received feedback that two holes had been found in the wall of a temporary bathroom cubicle.

Investigations found that the holes had originally been drilled to install a soap holder.

The contractor had relocated the soap holder following feedback from residents, but the holes left behind were not sealed immediately as required.

HDB said it received feedback about the holes on Jun. 19 and the contractor sealed them the following morning.

It added that the area behind the temporary bathroom facilities is fenced off and kept locked, with access restricted to authorised personnel.

Security officers also conduct regular patrols throughout the day.

HDB said contractors are required to seal any holes immediately after replacing fixtures such as clothes racks, shower heads or handrails in temporary bathroom facilities.

The board said the contractor responsible for the HIP has since contacted affected residents to explain the investigation findings and follow-up measures.

These include adopting residents' suggestions to install CCTV cameras at the entrances and exits of the fenced-off area.

HDB stressed that residents' safety is its top priority, and that contractors who fail to comply with operating procedures may face penalties such as fines.

Contractors have also been reminded that any holes created during construction must be sealed immediately and that temporary bathroom facilities should be inspected daily.