A Jungle on the Inside of Block 158
Picture this: a jungle teeming right inside the second storey of a Singapore HDB flat at Block 158 Tampines Street 12. In a country that’s been battling its worst dengue outbreak, the sight sent a few folks into a mild panic. But for 71‑year‑old Mr Victor Lee and his family, the space is tidy, brightly lit, and absolutely rain‑forest‑ready.
How Mr Lee Keeps the Mosquitoes Out
- Water‑drainage is king: He never lets his flower pots sit on a wet surface.
- Daily grooming rut: Up to four hours each day on the windows and common corridor.
- Neighbors approve: Because he’s a pro at keeping the breeding grounds dry, his friends can breathe easy.
From a City Flat to a “Rainforest” Paradise
Last month, a snapshot of Mr Lee’s unit popped up on the citizen‑journalism platform Stomp. The photo was a curtain of money plants – a lush green screen that could have fooled you for a tropical vacation spot. The “rainforest” was only the second floor of an ordinary apartment, but with Mr Lee’s extra care, it’s feel‑good green magic.
Final Thought
So next time you stroll past Tampines Street 12, look up and marvel at the idea that a humble four‑room home can double as a jungle and, yes, stay mosquito‑free. Legends say you can even find a vanishing spider waiting in the shadows of the leaves – who knows?
Mr Lee Stands Firm on His Jungle of Houseplants
When the Tampines Town Council popped into Mr Lee’s flat early Tuesday, they had one simple request: cut back on the foliage. The local council has been growing concerned about the dense green that might conceal breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Neighbors Weigh In
- “I’ve had this jungle for over a decade,” a no‑name resident replied, shrugging off the council’s concerns. “The plants are adult, so they should know how to behave.”
- Mr Ranjit, 68, speaks his mind: “It’s a vast jungle, yet Mr Lee keeps his space tidy—spraying insecticide, eliminating stagnant water, and treating his plants like a credit card with a low balance.”
No Dengue Clusters, Yet…
The National Environment Agency reports no dengue clusters in the area. Mr Lee, however, got a heads‑up that the overgrown greenery could pose a falling risk from the windows. A trim is in order. Yet, he remains stubbornly steadfast.
A Peek Inside
The New Paper was invited to see the immaculate apartment: neat furniture, dust‑free surfaces, and a clever trick—tissues beneath pots to keep water from pooling. “Every time the authorities come by, they can’t find a single mosquito or water hole,” Mr Lee claims, sighing that it’s only in the dengue season where complaints arrive.
Council’s Perspective
A spokesman from Tampines Town Council explained, “We’re working with HDB and other stakeholders to guide residents in maintaining their plants. They’re part of the residential unit and need regular attention.”
Mr Lee’s Bold Reply
Despite repeated requests, Mr Lee refuses to trim the plants. “They’re my green babies,” he says. “It’s like telling someone they have long hair—you’re just not going to cut it. I prefer them just the way they are.”
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Original story first appeared in The New Paper.
