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Landslide tips for residents in hilly areas

First session by BCA in Hillview; similar ones may be held elsewhere

Published on Dec 21, 2012

By Daryl Chin


OWNERS of landed homes in hilly areas may be asked to take part in further government programmes that aim to teach them how to prevent landslides.

The first awareness raising session was held in July. More than 100 owners around Hillview Gardens Estate - the neighbourhood hit by a landslide in 2007 - learnt from Building & Construction Authority (BCA) officers ways to prevent a disaster.

A BCA spokesman said earlier this week: "The session was beneficial in helping these owners understand the importance of slope protection. BCA is exploring holding similar sessions in West Lake, Siglap, the Holland area and Bukit Timah, where there is a higher concentration of slopes."

Land owners are responsible for maintaining any slopes and earth-retaining walls within their premises.

The BCA issues advisory letters to more than 1,500 property owners every July and October, before the monsoon, urging them to inspect their properties and engage an engineer if necessary.

The drive comes at a time when the number of Dangerous Building Orders issued has dwindled. These are served when the BCA notices slopes or walls in danger of breaking down.

It served orders to 16 residents in 2007, and just one last year. None has been issued so far this year. Under the order, the owner must hire an engineer to take immediate precautionary measures, or else face a fine of up to $100,000, or a jail term of up to a year.

Businessman Ang Ying Thye, Hillview Gardens Estate neighbourhood committee's co-chair, said the July session was informative and timely, given the heavy rain this year.

Engineer Kelvin Lim from LKP Consultants said it costs about $5,000 to get a house checked and certified safe.

If work needs to be done, it could be as simple as creating a gentler incline on a slope, or more complex, like putting up a reinforced concrete wall. That could cost $150,000 or more.

But there is no price for safety, said Mr Ang.

"If it is something that needs to be done, it has to be done. Otherwise, these walls will pose a danger to people and property in the vicinity."

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