Waterloo St vendors to move into allocated lots from January

They will need to obtain licences as part of effort to tackle crowding, obstruction in area

Vendors in front of Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Waterloo Street. The requirement for the 41 vendors in the area to move into allocated lots will ensure there is safe distancing and unobstructed fire engine access, and also allow pedestrians more
From Jan 4, 2021, the 41 street vendors will need a Temporary Occupation Licence, which will grant them each a 2m by 1.5m wide space. ST PHOTO: JOEL CHAN

Flower vendors and fortune tellers with makeshift stalls near two popular temples in Waterloo Street will need a licence from next year to operate in designated lots, as the authorities move in to deal with crowding and obstruction.

From Jan 4, the 41 street vendors will have to progressively move into these allocated lots, which measure 2m by 1.5m.

This will ensure there is safe distancing between street vendors in the area and unobstructed fire engine access, and also allow pedestrians more room to walk, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Singapore Food Agency and Urban Redevelopment Authority said in a joint statement yesterday.

"Currently, the pedestrian mall is often busy and filled with stall set-ups and discarded boxes that obstruct the pathways.

"These are not conducive to both the street vendors and visitors to the area, and are potential fire hazards," the agencies said.

By congregating in close proximity, the street vendors also pose public health and safety concerns in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, they added.

The vendors comprise 19 fortune tellers, 19 flower vendors, two reflexologists and one cobbler.

The flower vendors will be allocated space closer to the temples, said the agencies.

For decades, vendors had been free to choose where to operate on the pedestrian mall in front of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple.

Going forward, besides the designated spots, they will also need to obtain a temporary occupation licence, which will cost $48.15 a month.

The agencies said those who face financial difficulties can approach the SLA for assistance. The vendors will have to start paying the licence fee only from next June.

All existing vendors will be granted a lot, which will be allocated via balloting.

The vendors comprise 19 fortune tellers, 19 flower vendors, two reflexologists and one cobbler. ST PHOTO: JOEL CHAN

The SLA said the licence, which is renewable on a three-year basis subject to redevelopment plans, is not transferable, and the 41 vendors are not allowed to sublet their stalls.

No new licence will be granted should an existing vendor retire.

Works to create the space for vendors will be done in phases with no disruption to their businesses, the SLA added.

Ms Denise Phua, an MP for Jalan Besar GRC, who oversees the area around Waterloo Street, said residents have, over the years, asked for the area to be made cleaner, safer and less cluttered.

"I'm heartened that the agencies are ensuring that all existing vendors will each be given a lot, and all of them can continue to ply their trade," she said, adding that the authorities have done their best to balance the needs of all stakeholders.

For decades, the flower vendors have been free to choose where to operate on the pedestrianised mall in front of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple. ST PHOTO: JOEL CHAN

The 41 vendors, who have on average been operating there for between 10 and 15 years, were informed of the changes yesterday.

They include reflexologist Ng Song Hua, 78, who has been serving customers in the area for 18 years. He said he understands the rationale for the move, adding that the $48.15 fee is a reasonable sum.

"The only issue is that we will now have a smaller space to work in and customers who use wheelchairs may not be fully sheltered. It'll be good if we can get a bit more space," said Mr Ng, whose current stall occupies an area measuring 4.5m by 2m.

Mr Ng at his stall, which now occupies an area measuring 4.5m by 2m. ST PHOTO: JOEL CHAN

Flower vendor Catherine Teo, 65, whose family has been running a stall in the area since the 1960s, said: "The changes will make the area more attractive for tourists."

She doubts the move will impact her business.

"The authorities assured us that we will still be near the temple, and our regular customers will still know where to find us," she said.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 09, 2020, with the headline Waterloo St vendors to move into allocated lots from January. Subscribe