I WELCOME the recent announcement from the Ministry of National Development (MND) that the performance of the 16 town councils (TCs) will be assessed by developing a TC management report framework.

This is a good opportunity and the right time for such a scorecard to be developed, about 20 years after the TC system was introduced in Singapore.

Housing Board flat dwellers such as myself, who pay monthly service and conservancy charges (S&CC), would want to know how our TCs are faring and to provide our feedback and suggestions.

Besides the three major areas of cleanliness, maintenance and financial management, I hope MND could include a few other important criteria, such as customer service and facilities.

With regard to cleanliness, many residents in my estate who I have had the opportunity to meet, including my neighbours, share the view that it could be improved.

For instance, the scheduling of weekly or monthly cleaning of public areas could be looked into.

Another pressing matter which should be taken into account is the strict enforcement of the illegal parking of motorcycles and clutter in public areas, especially in common corridors and void decks.

These two problems are not only unsightly and cause obstruction, but could also pose the danger of being fire hazards.

Last but not least, the financial management of TCs should include innovative ways to reduce the S&CC and cost-cutting measures by TC officers and contractors.

I hope that my fellow HDB residents will participate actively in the public-consultation exercise, as this would help raise the standard of estate management where they live.

Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan Haji Sahban

For more my paper stories click here.