Rampant cases of compulsive hoarding carry on across the country, but this example counts as one of the more severe ones. A mother and her adult daughter have resorted to sleeping in the corridor outside their own flat — because there’s just no more space inside from the amount of things they’ve accumulated.
You know the disorder’s in a really sad shape when there’s no more room in a four-room flat.
Apparently it’s been going on for the last two years, The Straits Times reports. Residents at the block in Ang Mo Kio have had enough of their antics, which include laying out their belongings in the common corridor, washing dishes outside the flat and sleeping on straw mats near the staircase. Using an electrical extension cord, they charge their mobile phones and even plug in an electric fan.
You’d be upset too, if your living environment was tainted by clutter — a problem their neighbours see no end to, despite complaints to the authorities. Some of the greasy water from their dishwashing has made its way to other residents’ areas, and using the staircase is near impossible due to the mess.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Nee Soon Town Council and Housing Development Board have all taken action, but to limited results. The main door was locked every time HDB officers visited the flat for inspection, while offers to clear the inside of their house were declined. Many notices were served to the unit and items were cleared from the common spaces. Even then, the mother and daughter would ask for the items back.
Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC Henry Kwek assured that they’re working with social workers and agencies to resolve the situation.
