40YO Deliveryman Slept Outside HDB Flat In a Tent; Said It’s Temporary

Deliveryman’s Temporary Tent Home Sparks Concern Outside HDB Flat

The entrance to a modest two-room rental flat at Block 191 Boon Lay Drive is conspicuously shrouded in 3-shade blue plastic sack coverings, a sight familiar to anyone who has frequented construction sites.

A curious assortment of items lies scattered in apparent disarray, comprising a cabinet, chairs, shoe rack, clothes hanger, and even three personal mobility devices huddled nearby.

Remarkably, amidst this hodgepodge, a tent has been erected just outside the door, nestled within the confines of the plastic coverings.

Before dismissing this as a mere heap of refuse, consider that it is, in fact, the “spacious” abode of a 40-year-old deliveryman who prefers to go by the name Du.

On 28 Nov, an anonymous individual took it upon themselves to share photographs of Du’s unconventional “home” on Stomp.

Observing that the tent had been a fixture for quite some time, speculations arose that Du and his family might have been living in these rudimentary conditions for several months.

As per a report by Shin Min Daily News, it has been revealed that the individual residing in the tent is the son of a 70-year-old elderly lady, who happens to be the flat’s rightful owner.

The elderly lady has been cohabiting with her approximately 10-year-old grandson, also Du’s nephew, for the past four years.

However, over the last few years, amidst the mounting clutter, the tent gradually made its appearance.

In a candid interview with Shin Min Daily News, Du clarified that his stay in the tent is purely temporary.

He is expected to receive the keys to his new house within the upcoming week.

This decision was prompted by his unsuccessful application for a rental flat, which led him to seek refuge at his mother’s residence five months ago.

The recent spell of heavy rain has added to Du’s discomfort, with cigarette butts occasionally raining down from the upper floors.

In response, Du ingeniously set up the tent as a makeshift shelter.

To minimise any inconvenience to his neighbours, he conscientiously dismantles the tent in the mornings.

Upon explaining his predicament to the neighbours, they have displayed a remarkable degree of empathy and understanding towards his situation.

A spokesperson from the West Coast Town Council informed Stomp that they are well aware of the situation and have reached out to the affected family.

Furthermore, the town council is actively collaborating with relevant agencies to extend support to the family in question.

Meanwhile, safety checks have been conducted on-site, and the family has been advised to engage in regular housekeeping practices to reduce the number of items occupying the common corridor.

This advice stems from a genuine concern regarding fire hazards, reminiscent of the tragic Bedok fire incident, which was sparked by a discarded cigarette butt and a pile of cardboard.

Given Du’s mother’s penchant for accumulating items, the presence of potentially combustible items, particularly the personal mobility devices (PMDs), is indeed a cause for concern.

The town council, in conjunction with the relevant agencies, plans to revisit the affected family and conduct comprehensive checks to enhance the overall living conditions.