The National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a statement on “urgent and essential works” being carried out at the Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, after building cracks were found at the premises by them and their contractors.
Upon the discovery of the building cracks, an engineer was then engaged to perform an inspection of the structure at the columbarium, and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) was also alerted and informed.
NEA’s Statement On The Situation
We wish to update the public on upcoming urgent and essential works at Choa Chu Kang Columbarium (CCKC).
Building cracks were observed during regular checks by NEA and its contractors. A professional engineer was immediately engaged to undertake a structural inspection of CCKC. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) was also notified. After assessing the building structure, BCA concurred with the professional engineer’s assessment and instructed closure of the affected areas.
Please see annex (below) for the list of closed off areas.
In the interest of the safety of public and staff, we are working with professional engineers to establish the cause, determine and conduct the rectification works required safely and expeditiously.
Additionally, we are also undertaking minor works beyond the closed off areas. We will provide a further update on the extent and duration of works in due course. In the meantime, the professional engineer has assessed that the remaining structures are safe for occupancy. Based on the assessment of the professional engineer, BCA has indicated that the rest of CCKC can remain open to the public.
Members of the public can continue to access all occupied niches at the Columbarium until further notice. The lifts located near Block B and D continue to remain operational. New niche installations are also unaffected. Visitors are reminded to keep out of the closed off areas.
We will be issuing an advisory to the public in February ahead of Qing Ming. We will highlight any changes to CCKC visiting arrangements, if any, in the advisory.
The safety at our facilities is of utmost importance to NEA. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your kind understanding.
Annex
- Level 3 Linkbridge between Block G and H
- Block B (which is currently vacant)
- Block C2-01 (which is currently vacant), toilet and admin office
- Block C1 admin office
- Part of the covered drop-off point.
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