Yishun residents have expressed concern about a couple’s hoarding behaviour despite repeated attempts by various agencies to remove the clutter.
Shin Min Daily News reader Mr Zhang (transliteration) described the clutter at the four-room flat — located at Block 720 Yishun Street 71 — as severe. Items were not only placed within the unit, but also near the lift lobby and even on the ground level of the block.
The clutter had reportedly attracted mice and cockroaches and caused inconvenience to residents.
During a recent visit, Shin Min reporters found boxes and various scrap items outside the flat. These included:
- A cabinet with over 20 umbrellas hung on it
- A plastic bag containing instant noodle packets and scrap paper
- Baby strollers
- Bicycles
- Second-hand gadgets
- Stools
The living room was also observed to be piled with clutter, so much so that it exceeded the height of a person.
Reportedly hoarded for past decade
Neighbour Madam Lin, a 63-year-old retiree, revealed that an old couple resided in the flat alongside their daughter. Their son had apparently moved out years ago.
Madam Lin said that the hoarding situation was not as severe when she moved in ten years ago. However, the scrap items collected by the couple continued to pile up and feedback from residents did not lead to any change.
“Over the past few years, many volunteer groups, charity organisations, and town council personnel have come down. The unit was cleaned more than ten times, but the mess comes back after a month,” said the resident.
