SINGAPORE: An 80-year-old woman and her grandson have been forced to leave their flat at Block 105 Henderson Crescent after enduring a prolonged and unresolved water leakage issue that began in 2022.
Despite repeated complaints to the Housing & Development Board (HDB), inspections, and legal measures, the problem remained unresolved as of 18 July 2025.
The elderly resident and her grandson had initially tried to cope with the leaking ceiling, placing multiple pails around their flat to catch yellowish water seeping from the living room, kitchen, and even the bedrooms.
Neighbour Ming Woon, who lives in a nearby unit, shared updates on the case in the Facebook group Complaint Singapore.
Worsening conditions
She stated that as of 18 July 2025, the ponding in the affected unit had worsened, and the grandson had to assist his grandmother daily in emptying water-filled containers.
A photo posted by Ming showed the elderly woman placing more than half a dozen pails on the floor to collect water dripping from the ceiling, raising serious concerns about safety and habitability.
The leakage issue affected at least three units in the block, according to Ming.
Ming described damage including rotting cabinets and widespread mould.
Another affected unit was reportedly forced to remove parts of its flooring due to the foul-smelling, stagnant water.
Ming said engineers and officers visited all three affected units for inspection in July. However, they were unable to access the unit on the 13th floor — believed to be the source — as its door remained closed.
According to Ming, HDB had issued multiple letters to the resident of the suspected source unit.
“We have done all that we can. Going viral is the last resort,” Ming wrote in frustration, in which the original FB post has published in 28 April.
Elderly son recounts costly, failed efforts
The elderly woman’s son, Chen Jun, who had previously lived with her alongside his own son, shared their story in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao in March.
He recounted how the water leakage began in the kitchen in 2022 and gradually spread throughout the flat.
Over time, the living room and bedrooms also began to show signs of water seepage, with yellow stains, mould, and structural swelling of the flooring.
“The entire flat feels submerged,” Chen said.
He described murky water dripping from the ceiling and yellow stains covering 70% of the ceilings and walls.
Water was also leaking near electrical outlets, creating a fear of electrocution. They even had to move the family altar away from the wet areas.
Out of concern for safety, Chen’s mother and son temporarily relocated in 2025.
Repairs attempted, but no cooperation from upstairs resident
Chen said he previously spent about S$2,000 on ceiling and pipe repairs.
In late 2023, HDB offered S$300 under its Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme, but it was insufficient.
“As long as his unit isn’t repaired, the problem won’t be solved,” said Chen, referring to the upstairs neighbour.
In a response to Zaobao, the homeowner of the suspected unit said he had once allowed HDB entry, but the leakage remained unresolved.
However, HDB confirmed that the seepage originated from the upper-floor flat, citing microwave imaging scans that traced the problem to that location.
HDB confirms delay due to lack of access
According to HDB, the leakage was believed to be due to a deteriorated waterproofing layer in the upper unit.
In January 2024, it managed to carry out partial repairs on a drain in the kitchen, but subsequent work scheduled for March could not proceed as the homeowner refused access.
Between April and November 2024, HDB sent four legal letters to the flat owner urging cooperation. However, the homeowner continued to deny responsibility and entry to repair teams.
HDB stated in March 2025 that it was preparing to file a court application to compel the homeowner to allow necessary repairs.
Grassroots leaders had attempted mediation and offered financial assistance with repair costs, but those efforts also failed.
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