bargain hunter
17-09-12, 11:44
MRT works cause cracks in Bukit Timah homes http://motoring.asiaone.com/a1media/site/common/blank.gifThe Land Transport Authority has taken steps to repair damages to several Watten Estate homes, believed to be linked to the construction of the Downtown Line.
According to The Sunday Times, residents of the terraced and semi-detached houses at Bukit Timah complained that they began noticing hairline cracks in walls inside and outside their homes one to two months ago.
They added that cracks began widening in recent weeks. Besides cracks, some car porch roofs and walls had shifted, and some gates could no longer open.
The houses in the upscale neighbourhood where home prices start in the millions, are across from the site of the upcoming Tan Kah Kee MRT station.
At least 40 homes are believed to be affected, and the LTA has started temporary work to fix the damages, The Sunday Times reported.
The LTA told The Sunday Times that after checks, the houses were found to be structurally safe.
A spokesman told the paper that they will continue to monitor the situation closely. The LTA will also take action the stabilise the ground in the area.
Transport Minister and the area's Member of Parliament, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, also visited some of the affected homes yesterday evening and spoke with about 50 residents.
Residents said Mr Lui told them that the sinking and cracking due to water seeping out of the underlying soil have happened before in Arab Street back in 2004. They said Mr Lui also told them that he had asked LTA to write to them to confirm that their houses are safe, and to periodically visit the area to ensure that it remained so.
According to The Sunday Times, residents of the terraced and semi-detached houses at Bukit Timah complained that they began noticing hairline cracks in walls inside and outside their homes one to two months ago.
They added that cracks began widening in recent weeks. Besides cracks, some car porch roofs and walls had shifted, and some gates could no longer open.
The houses in the upscale neighbourhood where home prices start in the millions, are across from the site of the upcoming Tan Kah Kee MRT station.
At least 40 homes are believed to be affected, and the LTA has started temporary work to fix the damages, The Sunday Times reported.
The LTA told The Sunday Times that after checks, the houses were found to be structurally safe.
A spokesman told the paper that they will continue to monitor the situation closely. The LTA will also take action the stabilise the ground in the area.
Transport Minister and the area's Member of Parliament, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, also visited some of the affected homes yesterday evening and spoke with about 50 residents.
Residents said Mr Lui told them that the sinking and cracking due to water seeping out of the underlying soil have happened before in Arab Street back in 2004. They said Mr Lui also told them that he had asked LTA to write to them to confirm that their houses are safe, and to periodically visit the area to ensure that it remained so.