Illegal gambling and rampant littering turning Aljunied Crescent into Geylang, says Stomper
A passer-by was appalled by the presence of litter and open gambling at common areas in Aljunied Crescent, which he felt were public health and safety hazards.
Stomper Blackwood was catching up with a friend at Block 99 Aljunied Crescent on the evening of Feb 26 when he witnessed people gambling openly.
"The void decks in the estate have effectively become an extension of the open gambling dens typically associated with the Geylang Lorongs," Blackwood alleged.
He claimed to have seen crowds gathering to bet openly in broad daylight and also expressed his disapproval of massage parlours in the area.
The Stomper had an even greater shock when he left his friend's home at 1am on Feb 27, where he was greeted by "rampant littering and dumping".
"This creates an incredibly unhygienic and unsightly environment that is unfair to those living there," lamented the Stomper, who saw trash and discarded items strewn around Block 102.
Blackwood shared photos to back up his concerns. One shows a group of men gathered around a table at the void deck. Others show rubbish, including bulky items such as a table and sofa, scattered on the ground.
Blackwood said these were unacceptable as there is a primary school in the vicinity and young children should not be exposed to "illicit activities" right at their doorstep.
"I'm pretty concerned for the kids at Geylang Methodist School," the Stomper added.
He noted that the neighbouring Mountbatten estate appeared better maintained, and questioned the disparity in enforcement and estate management between two areas in such close proximity.
Town council: Cleanliness is a shared community responsibility
In response to Stomp's queries, Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council (MBTC) confirmed on March 11 that it has stepped up cleaning operations, increased the frequency of rubbish removal and put up educational posters in the affected areas.
MBTC said: "The town council will continue to monitor these locations closely and take the necessary actions to maintain estate cleanliness and standards."
The town council reminded residents that keeping public areas clean is a shared community responsibility. It provides a free bulky item removal service (up to three movable items per month) for all Housing Development Board residents in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Group Representative Constituency and Mountbatten Single Member Constituency.
MBTC also said it is aware of the Stomper's concerns about illicit gambling activities.
"For gambling activities in common areas, the town council is working closely with the relevant authorities to address such situations and deter the inappropriate use of common spaces," MBTC added.
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