Singapore’s Koi Tank Gets a Second Chance
Forget the drama of a crumbling old bridge – the real headline here is a glass fish tank on the doorstep of a single‑family flat that’s stirring up a splash of controversy!
The Tank at the Grey‑Lined Doors of Tampines
Picture this: a colorful glass box, crammed with around a dozen koi, perched on the four steps that lead into a ground‑floor home. That’s the scene on Street 41 in Tampines. The homeowner, in a moment of creative inspiration, slapped up glass panels around the steps to contain the aquatic family. The result? A point‑of‑interest for neighbours but a blinking alarm for the Housing & Development Board (HDB).
HDB’s Safety File Closed Shuttered”
On January 15, the HDB sounded the warning bell: the tank may shatter or invite a toddler to climb in and risk a watery demise. They’re simply asking the resident to strip down the koi to keep everyone safe.
Enter the Town Council – The “Back‑Up” Crew
- MP Baey Yam Keng of Tampines GRC says it’s not a “one‑size‑fits‑all” admission. He’s calling for a appeal and wants a chance for the tank to stay.
- He claims that the glass is tempered – it won’t spit out jagged shards like regular glass, easing one of the HDB concerns.
- For any kiddo who might scale the steps, railings are on the drawing board; no one wants a mini‑submarine adventure.
- Electrical cords? They’ll loop a protective cover to shield them from rain or the occasional “storm” (yes, that’s a weather‑friendly term).
Notably, Mr. Baey assures the council that this is a “win‑win” process, an experiment where the resident, the authorities, and the community converge. The moment is set to happen within the next two months.
Why Mr. Baey is Stirring Things Up
Your news ticktock might say the tank is a temporary fixture. But the MP argues otherwise:
- Age Matters: “It’s been there for two or three years – and still humming along.”
- Community Love: “Beyond the fish, it’s a neighbourhood showpiece. Kids, parents, even the burglar‑sentient ones from the nursery love it.”
When the MP swung by the flat on the morning of January 16, he heard the neighbors and two toddler groups from nearby child‑care centres chanting, “Don’t let us lose it!”
The Owner’s One‑liner Caveat
The resident, who prefers not to take his “name” in the spotlight, maintained the flat is private land. He’s adamant that the tank is “not an obstruction.” “If I go to any other unit, there’ll be broken laws,” he quipped, pointing out the absurdity of banning plants on staircases, for instance.
He also bragged that the koi had attracted wanderers from the far‑away districts of Jurong and Bukit Batok – evidence that this is not just a quirky decoration, but a star attraction.
Wrap‑Up
Will HDB hold its ground or will this fishy affair win the council’s com‑but? Stay tuned as Tam‑pines GRC and the resident juggle safety, creativity, and community vibes. The drama in the glass‑tank chronicles is just beginning, and the stakes are higher than a koi’s reflection on a sunny perch.
