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SINGAPORE: The lifts at Mandarin Gardens condominium along Siglap Road last underwent a major modernisation about two decades ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Since then, ageing equipment has led to recurring issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Residents at the 40-year-old estate say\u00a0they face lift breakdowns every few months despite regular maintenance checks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cOccasionally, we receive feedback from residents about their concerns over the reliability of the old lifts,\u201d said Mr Ong Beng Guan, chairman of Mandarin Gardens\u2019 management corporation strata titles (MCST).<\/p>\n
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\u201cCommon issues include intermittent breakdowns, slow door operations, faulty door sensors and doors that fail to close properly.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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While he stressed that the elevators are still generally operational, residents want them to be safer and more reliable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The condo is now considering whether to refurbish or fully replace them within the next five years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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A full replacement could cost millions of dollars. Each new lift costs between S$200,000 (US$156,900) and S$300,000, drawing heavily on the condominium\u2019s sinking fund, which is also used for other projects that keep the condo in good working order.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cI think a replacement is a better option \u2026 (but) that will be a major cause of financial burden on the (condo unit) owners,\u201d Mr Ong, noting that the final decision will depend on the mandate given at the estate\u2019s annual general meeting.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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He added that some residents may be reluctant\u00a0to commit to major upgrades as they are holding out hope for a successful en bloc sale, following three unsuccessful attempts in the past.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Some condominiums are hoping such co-funding will extend beyond repairs to cover full lift replacements.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The government announced last week it is studying whether to partially fund selected lift and escalator upgrades in private developments to keep pace with modern safety standards.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n