Bukit Merah resident says ongoing upgrades are 'a nightmare' due to noise
Bukit Merah's red-painted blocks made headlines when they were first unveiled in August – and now residents are speaking out again, this time over persistent noise from ongoing upgrading works in the neighbourhood.
Melissa Tay, a 46-year-old teacher who has lived in Block 13 of Jalan Bukit Merah for 19 years, told Stomp that the red paint, which cast an eerie glow in her home, was "only one aspect of the upgrading programme".
While Tanjong Pagar Town Council (TPTC) has worked with the contractor to adjust the colour scheme by adding more white surfaces to tone down the overall redness, Ms Tay said weekday construction from 9 am to 6 pm – with just an hour-long break in the afternoon – remains a major concern.
She added that no sound barriers have been installed to dampen the noise.
A video provided by Ms Tay shows workers using machinery to drill into the ground, producing incessant hammering sounds.
"It was directly under my unit. My entire floor was trembling," she said, noting that the renovation works are expected to continue until March 2026, including school holidays when families are home more often. "It's been a nightmare for us."
Ms Tay said she contacted the town council to request either the installation of sound barriers or prior notice of construction, but "nothing was done".
Another resident on the 14th floor reported experiencing the same issue.
"The people here are questioning why taxpayers' money is going to build this porch," she said. "We had wanted a sheltered drop-off porch for old people, kids, or families. Not this."
TPTC confirms complaint
In response to Stomp's queries, TPTC confirmed that it received one noise-related complaint about the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) that began in mid-November 2025, and has followed up with the resident.
The spokesperson added that noise levels recorded by sound meters installed onsite are "well below the thresholds" and that there is currently no need to install sound barriers.
"Although no feedback has been received so far, we will continue to monitor the works closely," the spokesperson said.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with a statement from TPTC.
