Dealing with Pest Infestation or Overgrown Tree Problems in Landed Housing Estates
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the recourse available to residents regarding pest infestations or overgrown trees from abandoned or poorly maintained neighboring landed properties, as raised by Ms Rahayu Mahzam. Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong stated that residents should first seek community resolution, but agencies can inspect premises if public health or safety is at risk. The National Environment Agency and National Parks Board may issue statutory orders and maintenance notices, with non-compliance resulting in fines of up to $20,000. For immediate threats, authorities are empowered to enter properties to carry out necessary works and abate dangers at the occupier's expense. Occupiers are required to compensate agencies for costs incurred during such emergency interventions in addition to any fines which may be imposed for non-compliance.
Transcript
43 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for National Development (a) what recourse is available to residents living in landed properties when they are affected by problems, such as pest infestation or overgrown trees arising from a neighbouring property which has been abandoned or not properly maintained by the owners; (b) what enforcement measures are available to compel owners of landed properties to maintain their property; and (c) in what circumstances can the authorities enter the premises to deal with the issues affecting the other residents.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Residents who face pest and overgrown tree problems from neighbouring properties that have been abandoned or are poorly maintained should first engage Neighbourhood Committees or other community dispute resolution channels to try to resolve the issues amicably. If this is not possible, for example, if the property has been abandoned and there is reason to suspect public health or safety concerns, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the National Parks Board (NParks) officers can enter such premises to carry out inspections.
If NEA assesses that vectors are present or that the premises may harbour or propagate vectors, NEA can serve the occupier with an order under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act to carry out preventive measures. If NParks assesses that trees or plants in the premises pose a danger to public safety or property, NParks can issue a maintenance notice under the Parks and Trees Act for the occupier to carry out mitigating measures to abate the danger. Non-compliance with these orders and notices may result in a fine of up to $20,000.
If an immediate threat to property, public health or public safety is observed, NEA and NParks officers may enter the premises to carry out works and measures to reduce or remove the threat. In such a scenario, the occupier would need to compensate agencies for the costs incurred, in addition to any fines which may be imposed.