Commentary: Water leaking through the ceiling in malls could point to issues in Singapore’s built environment

There are procedures in the Building Control Act that allow BCA to step in and order home owner to carry out inspections and repair functions. Periodic structural plus facade inspections are also the norm with the latter being the more latest enhancement in constructing control law.

Failure to stick to such laws results in fines. The Place of work Safety and Health Act places obligations on the building proprietor as the principal to ensure safety of those who else work upon their premises.

From a civil law perspective, businesses and people adversely affected by these types of defects in the buildings may have legal recourse to the building proprietors for damages via tort law namely negligence, occupier’s liability, and possibly even private nuisance.

Dispute resolution methods might include the Small Claims Tribunals, mediation and, as a last resort, litigation. An out-of-court settlement is usually preferred because of confidentiality concerns.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

So , what can we do to address the issues? Initial, there should more access to more Government-published benchmark construction and facilities maintenance cost data.

This cost data can determine realistic finances for the next tender if it is professionally costed. With a fair and reasonable estimated procurement value, contractors can hire more experts for better guidance.

Second, facilities development, as well as task and facilities management involve a multitude of abilities. These skills are essential to deliver the best-in-class infrastructure and buildings with a life-long objective to be sustainable plus resilient.