Further Action against Residents who Refuse to Take Part in Mediation to Resolve Neighbourly Disputes

73 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for National Development what further action does HDB take when complaints against neighbours persist especially against one particular resident and neighbours do not wish to participate in mediation or pursue the matter in the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Most disputes between neighbours can be resolved amicably with some help from grassroots leaders and community partners. The disputing parties can also seek formal mediation at the Community Mediation Centre to reach an amicable resolution. As a last resort in intractable cases where parties are unable to resolve their disputes by voluntary mediation or other informal means, the aggrieved party can file a case with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRT).

HDB will do its best to assist if the disputes involve any breach of common property rules, or if the disputes involve residents who are posing a danger to others. In such cases, HDB will raise the matter with the relevant government agencies, or with the Town Council to enforce the rules. In cases which involve hoarding behaviour, MND has also put in place an inter-agency taskforce, which includes HDB, to work with the community to minimise disamenities to neighbours.