Suspected illegal gambling gatherings below HDB flats have led to hygiene problems and a rat infestation, with 20 to 30 rats spotted in the vicinity, creating significant concern among residents.
A reader contacted Shin Min Daily News to voice their complaint about a rat problem at Block 112, Aljunied Ave, prompting an investigation into the issue.
Rats Appearing in Large Numbers
When reporters visited the location, they found several rat holes in the grass patches directly in front of the block.
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A resident, Mr Chen (name transliterated from Mandarin), 59, shared his observations during an interview, saying he noticed many rats appearing over the past one to two weeks.
He emphasised that the situation worsens on rainy days, when he has witnessed 20 to 30 rats scurrying around the area at once.
Another resident, Ms Lee (name transliterated from Mandarin), pointed out that people gather every night below the flats for illegal gambling activities.
According to her account, these groups place a basket nearby to collect their garbage, including food remnants and empty drink containers.
Ms Lee firmly believes this practice causes significant environmental hygiene problems and directly attracts rodents to the area.
Another resident named David, 49, added more details to the situation, revealing that rats have begun climbing up the stairs and moving along corridors, particularly during night time.
“We’re all worried about the rat problem, which has continued for over six months now,” he stated.
Gambling Gatherings Worsening the Situation
Mr. Lee (name transliterated from Mandarin), 43, another resident interviewed, disclosed important historical context about the problem.
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He explained that the rat infestation wasn’t as serious initially, but grew worse as more people began gathering to gamble in the area.
“It’s not just the noise and rat problem,” Mr. Lee added, “there’s even a urine smell that permeates the area.”
Town Council: Rat Extermination Arranged
Marine Parade Town Council responded to inquiries from Shin Min Daily News, stating they’ve arranged for pest control staff to conduct thorough inspections and implement rat extermination measures in the affected area.
A spokesperson for the town council detailed their approach, saying they check the situation weekly and take preventive measures such as trapping and eliminating nearby rats.
The authorities also regularly clean and maintain garbage bins throughout the estate to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for rats.
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The town council works closely with pest control specialists to regularly assess the effectiveness of their measures, adjust strategies according to the situation, and continuously monitor the rat population in the area.
In addition to these efforts, the town council has formed a multi-agency team specifically aimed at eliminating food sources and potential breeding grounds for rats around the block.
Residents are reminded to do their part in keeping the environment clean to help address the problem.
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