Shanmugam visits flat where man was hurt by spalling concrete: 'We'll assist them, including payment for repair'
Nee Soon GRC MP K Shanmugam visited the flat at Block 127 Yishun Street 11 where spalling concrete left a 65-year-old retiree with more than 10 stitches.
On the morning of June 19, large concrete pieces from the ceiling of his toilet fell onto Mr Mohamad Hashim Arshad.
A family member, Khalid, told Stomp he is recovering.
"The family is still traumatised. They look at the ceiling everytime whenever they go to the toilet," he said.
Mr Mohamad was discharged from the hospital on the evening of June 20, reported The Straits Times.
Mr K Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, wrote in a Facebook post on June 20: "Visited a flat in Block 127 in Chong Pang. Spalling concrete injured the owner. He is in hospital getting treatment.
"I spoke with his wife. I told her that we will assist them, including on payment for the repair works. My volunteers are linking with HDB and the town council on the matter."
In response to a Stomp query, a Housing Board spokesperson said that after being notified of the incident, its officers conducted an immediate investigation on the same afternoon and found loose spalling concrete on the floor of the master bedroom bathroom.
"We have since helped to remove it. We have also inspected the whole flat and found slight bulging of concrete in the ceiling of the kitchen bathroom," said the spokesperson.
"While there is no sign of the imminent spalling of concrete at the ceiling of the kitchen bathroom, for the residents' peace of mind and safety, HDB has arranged for our contractor to remove the bulging concrete on June 23. "
"We understand this has been a distressing experience for the resident and his family, and are assisting the flat owners with the repairs to the spalling concrete under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme.
"We are also coordinating with the local grassroots to render financial assistance for the cost of the repair works."
The flat was completed 41 years ago and was upgraded under the Home Improvement Programme in 2018, according to HDB.
"As part of the toilet upgrade which the resident opted for, new tiles and fittings were installed in the toilets and the ceilings were re-painted." said the spokesperson.
"No repair works for spalling concrete were conducted as there were no signs of spalling concrete in the unit then."
Spalling concrete occurs through carbonation, a natural deterioration process that causes steel reinforcement bars in the ceiling to corrode and the concrete to crack, particularly in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
The spokesperson said: "To help prevent such incidents, when any visible signs of cracks or holes start appearing, residents should seal them promptly, and also paint their ceilings regularly to prevent moisture and carbon dioxide from entering the concrete.
"As a humid environment will speed up carbonation, residents are also encouraged to provide for the proper ventilation of any moisture-prone areas by opening the windows, vents or doors to reduce when these areas are not in use.
"Such regular care and maintenance by residents will help to keep the flats in good condition.
She added: "We will continue to render our assistance and support to the affected resident and his family."
