Persistent smoking, littering at Segar Road stairwells is 'critical matter' unsolved for over a year: Resident
A resident is fed up with the persistent smoking and littering in multiple stairwells at Block 550A Segar Road.
Stomper K shared photos showing the stairwells littered with cigarette butts. There were also objects – such as tin cans – being used as ash trays that had been left behind.
The Segar Palmview resident listed specific locations where the "serious and persistent issue concerning smoking" has been happening:
- Staircase A between Levels 17 and 18
- Staircase A at Level 9
- Staircase A at Levels 2 and 3
- Staircase B at Level 7
- Staircase B at Level 10
In a Nov 16 email to Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council, government agencies and various media outlets including Stomp, K said: "This problem has been ongoing for more than a year, and despite previous complaints, the situation has not improved.
"The specific issues are as follows:
"1. Illegal smoking in prohibited areas: Residents and visitors are consistently smoking within the enclosed common stairwells, which is a violation of the smoking prohibition law. This creates a significant health hazard for other residents, including children and the elderly, who are forced to pass through this second-hand smoke.
"2. Improper use and neglect of ashtrays: Ashtrays have been placed in these stairwells by residents, which, contrary to solving the problem of littering, have become a source of further nuisance. Smokers are discarding cigarette butts all over the floor, creating an unsightly and unhygienic environment. Furthermore, the town council's cleaning staff have not been consistently clearing these ashes or removing the ashtrays, leading to overflowing and worsening the litter problem, which indirectly encourages smoking in staircases.
"3. Lack of effective enforcement and action: I, along with other residents, have reported this issue on multiple occasions over the past year. While the locations have been confirmed, effective enforcement has been absent. The lack of tangible action has emboldened the offenders, and the situation remains unresolved.
"This prolonged issue is more than a mere inconvenience; it is a breach of public health regulations and a failure in the upkeep of our common property. The persistent presence of smoke and litter degrades our quality of life and poses a fire hazard."
K urged the authorities to take "concrete actions" such as "intensifying cleaning schedules" and enforcing a "strict anti-smoking regime".
He also requested a written response "detailing the steps you will take and a timeline for their implementation".
The Stomper explained in his email: "We have been patient for over a year. We now require a decisive and permanent solution. We look forward to your prompt response and action on this critical matter."
In response to a Stomp query, a spokesperson for Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council said: "We would like to inform you that the town council has stepped up our public educational efforts at this block to address smoking in the staircase areas."
This includes placing advisories in common areas and engaging residents to reinforce the importance of maintaining a smoke-free and safe environment.
The spokesperson told Stomp: "In addition, we have informed the National Environment Agency (NEA) of the situation, and will be working closely with them to identify an appropriate and sustainable resolution for the affected residents."
View more photos in the gallery.
