Koi Kapers on the Doorstep: A Fishy Fiasco
Picture this: you stroll up to a Singapore HDB flat, ready for a quick hello, and instead of a welcome mat you get a shimmering koi pond. Sounds dreamy, right? Turns out, the curb‑side splash was more splashy than safe.
The DIY Fish Tank Turns Into a Safety Issue
- Location Frenzy — The resident turned a four‑step entry on his ground‑floor unit into a glass aquarium, letting a dozen koi glide under the common corridor.
- Permission Pivotal — The homeowner slipped through the system without formal clearance. After the fact, he filed a permit request with Tampines Town Council.
- Politically Pee‑wee Support — In August, Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng lifted a cautious thumbs‑up, saying the “creative” setup could stick around if it was structurally sound.
Enter the Safety Squad
Fast forward to January 15, and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) slammed the door. The glass tank, hanging like a fishy hazard over a shared path, is a recipe for trouble.
A spokesman weighed in:
“The flat owner has fundamentally altered the entrance steps into a koi tank, which poses several safety issues. For instance, the tank is made of glass and can shatter on impact. As it is also not enclosed at the top, unsupervised children may climb or fall into the tank. Electrical sockets and cables exposed to weather elements pose further safety concerns.”
- Glass Breakage — One misstep could break the pond into a glittery mess.
- Curiosity‑Driven Kids — Little explorers might see the plunge as a new playground.
- Weather‑Wrestling Wiring — Rain‑ridden cables threaten the whole affair.
Why the Flat Owner’s Dream Fizzled
The man—identified as a 50‑something Chinese gentleman—had whispered that his pond was a “nice outside space for everyone to see.” He even owned the next door unit, so the doorway was a shared obstacle.
He was optimistic: “Neighbours can appreciate it and enjoy it also.” Unfortunately, the HDB’s guiding principle is that public safety comes first, not public splash art.
What Happens Next?
- The tank must be dismantled, coming down heavier than a koi’s weight.
- The community will watch the splash disappear—hopefully without the need for a rescue mission.
- Future fishy adventures? They’ll need a proper permit and a safety checklist that won’t scare off the watchdogs.
In the end, while the koi may have entertained the eye, HDB’s mandate is crystal clear: No glassy doorsteps unless they’re safer than a weather‑worn koi pond. Meanwhile, the fish will find a new home—perhaps an aquarium that isn’t on the sidewalk.
