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DANGEROUS BALANCING ACT: Criss-crossed bamboo poles are a common sight in many estates. A strong gust of wind could easily turn the poles into killer missiles. -- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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THE void deck of Block 259 Bangkit Road is covered with pictures of bamboo poles, potted plants and bird cages.
The display is part of an awareness campaign designed to highlight the dangers of potential killer litter.
However, the neighbourhood appears to have some way to go before the spectre of killer litter is stamped out.
The windows above the void deck are full of real-life hazards to pedestrians below.
The Straits Times counted eight mops balanced on bamboo pole holders, two dangling rubber hoses and two instances of criss-crossed bamboo poles.
These are just some of the dangers that MP Teo Ho Pin, his team from the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council and the HDB hope to eradicate through the Make Our Town Safe, Remove Killer Litter project, which was launched yesterday.
The project will include a roving exhibition, a children's art and essay competition and door-to-door visits to all 56,000 households in the town.
Similar projects may be rolled out in other towns after the three-month programme, said Dr Teo, who is also the mayor of North West District. The town council and HDB will focus on educating residents instead of issuing summonses.
Comparing the campaign to the battle against dengue, he said: 'This is an ownership project rather than an enforcement campaign.'
Killer litter has been a longstanding problem here.
In 2000, a five-year-old girl died after she was struck by a falling flower pot in Kent Road.
In July 2005, the HDB launched an anti-killer litter campaign and declared a 'zero tolerance' policy. Town councils also stepped up enforcement.
But in 2006, there were reports of two flower pots falling in Kent Road, a refrigerator falling in Geylang Serai and a man being struck by a falling metal plate in Ang Mo Kio.
Last year, the number of such reports dipped. 'It is encouraging, but I would still like to reach out to that small segment of our population,' said Dr Teo.
Those convicted of throwing killer litter may be fined up to $1,000 and jailed up to two years. The maximum fine for placing objects in a dangerous manner is $2,000. The HDB can also acquire a flat or terminate the tenancy of a rental flat if residents flout these laws.
Bukit Panjang housewife Lim Siew Jin, 52, is gladdened by the efforts to stamp out the problem, but she is still concerned.
'I've seen pots along the ledge and they are very heavy and dangerous,' she said. 'I'm not afraid for myself, but I'm worried about the safety of my children.'
simlinoi@sph.com.sg
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