My letter on the above matter was published in Mediacorp’s Today newspaper on Tuesday 28th May 2019
To have peace of mind and a good quality of life, we need to live in a
safe environment.
There are valid concerns over the use of electric scooters, for
instance. These vehicles have endangered the lives of many Singaporeans,
especially elders who are less mobile.
As Singapore’s population greys, policies that do not support a safe and
healthy environment must be relooked and adapted to deal with shifting trends.
At present, during power failures, town councils can attend to and
rectify power trips only if they happen outside an owner’s flat. They do not
deal with power faults inside flats.
I live along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 and the town council confirmed this
practice to me when I experienced a two-hour power failure last month.
The town council advised me to hire a contractor.
Elderly persons with mobility problems find it difficult to reach the
circuit breaker, which is rather high. It was not installed at eye level.
Moreover, I live alone, have arthritis, and
am weak in my hands and legs. So I am wary about meddling with electrical
parts.
What if I fall?
The town councils
must exercise flexibility when it comes to the needs of elders, many of whom
are also unemployed.
With the Government
rolling out schemes for our elderly, I urge the authorities and town councils
to review this policy to support the needs of our seniors.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
