A 71-year-old elderly resident who lives in Bukit Panjang, is suing the Holland Village – Bukit Panjang Town Council for compensation after falling into an uncovered drain, citing negligence for failing to cover the drain.
She suffered a severe rupture of her left foot ligaments and broke her right middle finger during the unfortunate incident.
The accident took place on 8 February 2021 at Block 276 Bangkit Road at Bukit Panjang, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
She elderly woman was on the ground floor watering her plants that day and was returning home when she fell into the drain that was not covered, resulting in her injuries.
She blamed the town council for failing to ensure the safety of public areas and allegedly sought compensation worth more than $30,000 for her medical and transport fees.
Town Council’s response
The town council has since denied all accusations of negligence, and highlighted the flaws in the elderly woman’s argument.
After the division of the constituency back in 2001 and the TC taking over of matters relating to maintenance, some drain covers were removed to facilitate cleaning and to check for breeding mosquitoes.
They added that given the resident’s stay in the area for more than 30 years, she should be familiar with the area.
They added that since the woman was maintaining the illegal plants she had there, she should’ve been aware of the drains.
The outcome of the case has yet to be ruled, and the judge hsn;t set a date for the ruling yet.