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This picture was taken from a friend’s home, which is a landed property somewhere in Sembawang. The area is listed by the NEA as a dengue hotspot. It appeared to us that the roof of this house has been in this condition for quite a long time. About a year, at least. We have been wondering if the roof itself is properly drained and if some stagnant water is trapped there to serve as a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes. Almost every member of her family, including herself, her father, and her son and daughter, have been afflicted with dengue in the last 3 – 4 weeks. And in her own case, she was out with fever for 5 days. This has taken quite a toll on her, as she has to take care of her own business and yet have to go to the hospital regularly. |
So far, the NEA has not yet taken any action to inspect the area. We suspect that even when informed, their hands are tied since the house is habitated. In fact, can the NEA even ask to inspect the area in the first place?
At this point my friend is facing a dilemma. She does not want to confront her neighbour as she does not want another Everitt Road situation. She also does not wish her neighbour to be fined as it appears that only an old lady lives there. But what can be done about this? What if this place is indeed a dengue breeding spot and the owner of this house has no money to repair to roof? Will the neighbours have to languish and live under the constant threat of a potential dengue breeding spot if that is the case?