Residents of a condo block in Marine Parade have been grappling with the inconvenience of both lifts being out of service for the past 12 days. The 21-storey high Block 2 of Neptune Court has forced its residents to tackle the daunting task of climbing stairs daily as a result of the lift breakdown.
A male resident from the block, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that one of the lifts had been out of operation since last November with a replacement lift pending installation. To add to the residents’ woes, the other lift broke down on 14 Jan, compounding the situation and depriving residents of lift access for almost two weeks.
The delay in lift repairs has been attributed to a component issue that necessitated repeated testing and repair work. A notice outside the faulty lift indicated that spare parts needed for repair would be sourced from another condo, potentially prolonging the repair process due to the rarity of replacement parts for the aging 25-year-old lifts.
Amidst the inconvenience caused by the non-functional lifts, a 70-year-old resident living on the 20th storey shared his struggle of climbing approximately 400 steps daily, resulting in breathlessness and extended travel time. This predicament has raised concerns, especially for elderly residents, including two wheelchair-bound individuals residing on the 21st floor who have been confined to their homes for the past 12 days, reliant on external assistance for their essential needs.
In response to the situation, the management has offered some assistance to residents, including the provision of a staircase-climbing wheelchair and delivery services for groceries and parcels, available during specific hours on weekdays. In addition, chairs have been strategically placed on staircase landings to provide resting spots for residents while navigating the stairs.
Expressing frustration over the prolonged lift downtime, a resident highlighted the impending Chinese New Year festivities, a time when visits from family and friends are expected, exacerbating the inconvenience caused by the inoperative lifts.
The challenges faced by residents of the Marine Parade condo serve as a reminder of the critical need for timely maintenance and repair services to ensure the well-being and accessibility of all residents within high-rise buildings.
