Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Help Pouring In For Residents Affected By Bukit Merah Blast

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 07 August 2007

Eight households affected by the explosion at a Bukit Merah flat, have been given the option to stay in their relocated flats for the long term.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has also promised to keep the rents at the same level as that of their previous flats.

The gas explosion last week caused the death of 73-year-old Chan Fook Seng and reduced several rental flats at Block 105 of Bukit Merah to a pile of rubble.

But help has been pouring in for affected residents.

Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, MP of Tanjong Pagar GRC, said: "The CDC welfare fund has provided them with immediate relief of S$100 NTUC FairPrice vouchers and S$100 cash. We will follow up with more."

Grassroots organisations are also providing basic household items to help residents ease the transition to a new life, following a traumatic experience.

One of the affected residents, Poon Shu Min, said: "I don't want to go back, as long as I'm comfortable here. Moving is too troublesome."

"During the blast, the wall collapsed and trapped an old woman. Mr Chan has also passed away. There are awful memories there," another resident, See Chai Meng, said.

Some residents have moved to other flats in the same building, while others have relocated to the next block.

HDB said it would let affected residents decide if they want to return to their units after repairs are completed in a few months.- CNA/so

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