Admiralty Drive HDB block hit by bird droppings since 2023, resident feels left to bear 'full consequences'
Birds have been soiling a resident's air-con ledge at Block 354D Admiralty Drive, leaving him helpless.
Stomper Paul said he has been struggling with the "persistent pigeon infestation" since late 2023 despite repeated feedback to the town council.
He shared: "The common property L-shaped ledge is heavily soiled with droppings and nesting debris, choking both compressors and raising serious hygiene concerns. This ledge is not only meant for air conditioner units but also serves other purposes.
"Despite repeated reports, Sembawang Town Council has not taken any action. Instead, they alleged that pigeons were fed from my window and told me to resolve the issue myself.
"Yet, Housing Board guidelines clearly state that pest control on common property is the town council's responsibility."
According to Paul, his flat was launched for sale in 2000, which means his ledge falls under common property.
"The town council later offered goodwill cleaning on condition that I remove one air conditioner unit from the accessible section, citing safety concerns," the Stomper added.
"This felt more like an excuse than genuine help.
"The town council also promised to clean the entire ledge during R & R works in Q2/2024, but that never happened.
"I have had to engage contractors to clean the accessible section of the ledge and chemically wash the compressors. The far section has no safety railing, making it unsafe to clean. It remains soiled and continues to attract pigeons, leaving the issue unresolved."
According to Paul, the entire block is affected by bird droppings.
"You can see that the unit on the seventh floor has put up anti-bird netting," he said. "The pigeons just simply move to other units."
In response to a Stomp query, a spokesperson for Sembawang Town Council said: "We would like to clarify that the cleaning and general maintenance of the aircon ledge, including pest-related matters such as bird droppings, fall under the purview of the flat owner.
"Residents are encouraged to engage their own contractors to carry out such cleaning works, particularly when the ledge is part of their unit's external facade.
"Sembawang Town Council had previously extended a goodwill offer to assist with partial cleaning of the accessible section of the ledge, subject to safety considerations such as the removal of obstructions (e.g. air-con units). Unfortunately, the full aircon ledge could not be accessed safely at that time."
The town council will continue to advise residents against feeding birds and has also shared this with Paul, said the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the town council is also monitoring the block and will explore further measures where feasible.
Paul said the Ministry of National Development (MND) is currently working with HDB and the town council on the matter.
A July 17 email seen by Stomp shows MND telling Paul: "We would like to assure you that we are looking into the matter. We are currently in talks with HDB and Sembawang Town Council regarding your situation, and the relevant parties will respond to you in due course."
Paul told Stomp: "Many residents may not be aware MND has that clarified air-conditioner ledges in HDB flats launched before May 2004 are common property. Cleaning them is not the flat owner's responsibility.
"Yet I have been left to bear the full consequences, including extra costs, safety risks and health concerns.
"I can also confidently say that no residents have fed the pigeons and yet the problem persists, which suggests it stems from other factors rather than resident behavior.
"Residents should not have to face red tape when agencies ignore their own policies. In the end, it is the residents who suffer. Thank you, Stomp, for being our voice."
