Forum: Support available to facilitate resolution of neighbour disputes
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We thank Forum writers Pang Chong Liu and Delane Lim for their letters “Make the new neighbour-dispute pathway easy to navigate” (Sept 1) and “Neighbour disputes are better resolved than won” (Sept 4).
We agree with both writers that it is important to maintain good ties between neighbours. This means to facilitate a resolution of disagreements upfront, including through mediation, before tensions escalate and relationships break down.
We also need effective means for decisive intervention for more entrenched cases. That is why the Government has expanded the Mediation Direction framework and the Community Relations Unit (CRU) model nationwide.
More information on the Community Disputes Management Framework is available at go.gov.sg/cdmf, including a service journey illustration for residents in public and private estates. This includes guidance on when to seek mediation, when a case may be referred to the CRU, and when the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals may be appropriate. Residents may also approach their community leaders or the Community Mediation Centre directly for assistance.
We welcome the suggestions, and will continue to improve our efforts to raise public awareness and understanding among residents on how the Community Disputes Management Framework works.
Lee Wei Yang
Acting Senior Director, Community Relations and Engagement Division
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth