Dialogue with Adviser, Mr Inderjit Singh

Organised by: Kebun Baru Vista Neighbourhood Committee Time: 25th August 2012, 3p.m. 5p.m. Place: JCU Singapore Auditorium, 600 Upper Thomson Road
S/No. 1 Nature of Feedback & Replies

A resident highlighted that the entire stretch of Old Upper Thomson Road was being used by some as a racing track. He was also concerned that heavy vehicles passing along the stretch of road were potentially dangerous for residents, particularly children strolling by the side of the road. He also mentioned that the traffic light outside JCU Singapore, along Upper Thomson Road has 2 yellow boxes which may confuse drivers as to where to stop. LTAs Much discussion had taken place with the NC members. It was felt that the closing of the opening at the central REPLY divider along Upper Thomson Road which allows motorists to turn right from Seraya Crescent would not be well received by residents. Motorists and residents are requested to exercise caution and look out for traffic from both sides of Upper Thomson Road at this location when turning right to Upper Thomson Road towards the city from Seraya Crescent. 2 A resident queried the authoritys stand on residents using potted plants to reserve parking space. He also commented that some residents have plants that obstruct the pathways for pedestrians. Advisers This issue does not confine to Vista NC and is a national issue. The government is looking into the matter. Comment LTAs LTA will take enforcement actions against offenders REPLY 3 A resident suggested an entrance/exit along Upper Thomson Road for the public car-park off Jln Kuras, which serves to ease the congestion along Jln Kuras and its adjacent roads. He also suggested that the bus lane along Upper

Thomson Road, north bound between Long House and Yio Chu Kang Road be removed, as during the evening peak traffic hours, the traffic is normally light. LTAs REPLY Construction of entrance /exit to the public car park from Upper Thomson Road would not be possible as it would have to be located at the bus bay, which is not acceptable. Bus Lanes have been provided to enable the faster movement of buses which carries much more commuter when compared to cars. Request for extension of broken bus lanes to enable motorists to turn left or right from local access road to Upper Thomson Road upon detailed evaluation A resident is concerned with the littering problem at Casuarina Road. NEA officers have inspected the area. No littering offence were found. However, restaurants found there were advised to keep the area clean.

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Resident commented that current rubbish bins with elastic do not deter monkeys from opening the bins. NEA is looking into new dustbin designs and is trying then design at MacRitchie area. A resident highlighted that both of her adjacent neighbours have 3 or more cars each. They normally use their dustbins and parking cones to block spaces for their parking needs. This action deprives others parking space. At times the cars parked also make driving into or out of one's house a difficult task. LTA would work with the NC members on the need to remove existing parking restriction lines or the introduction of new parking restriction lines. LTA will also take enforcement actions against offenders who obstruct parking spaces. Some units were constructed in such a way that the drains are blocked from other residents access. Some of them had dig soil at the covered area, back facing their neighbour and this may cause soil erosion and affecting the unit back facing them. PUB is working with the NC to address the issue.

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PUBs

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Resident express has concern on dogs barking causing nuisance to the estate. NEA officer went down to the site and advised the resident to be more mindful of the nearby residents and not to let the dog bark loudly at night. Officer also called feedback provider and inform him of the action taken. A resident is concerned that the removal of palm tree to control wild boar population at Lower Peirce reservoir will also remove the food source for monkeys. The macaques forage from a wide variety of food sources, and are very opportunistic feeders. They can feed on numerous different food types, ranging from fruits in the forested area to even our readily available refuse in litter bins. Hence, the removal of the palm trees, which is just one of the many available food sources would not have any impact on the availability of food for the macaques. A resident commented that just outside Sembawang Hills Food Centre, it is a common sight to see smokers puffing away. NEA officers went down to inspect the area. Nobody was observed to be smoking during the inspection. Routine checks will be scheduled at the vicinity to apprehend anyone caught smoking within the no smoking zone. A resident is annoyed with the noise pollution caused by motorcycles during the wee hours, especially on the eve of public holidays. He also highlighted that groups of students on bicycle often play loud music and shout when passing his unit, which causes disturbance. Information forwarded to police to pay frequent patrol. A residents neighbour has a mango tree, and fruits from the tree have attracted monkeys to the vicinity daily. NParks and AVA work closely on the macaque issue. We will inform our sister agency AVA, to follow up on this as they have the jurisdiction to do so. Meanwhile, the attached Joint-advisory (which has been circulated to all residents) on Keeping Monkeys at Bay may be helpful to you if you would like to advise your neighbour. The advisory has been prepared and endorsed by AVA, NParks, NEA and WRS and it contains pointers to live harmoniously and safely alongside the macaques.

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