Ten blocks of flats in Geylang Bahru have been given a new lease of life with the completion of upgrading works that included covered linkways and fitness stations, among other things.
Elderly residents who live in the 30-year-old Geylang Bahru Ville and Geylang Bahru Riverpoint estates also welcomed new sitting toilets and lifts that stop on every floor.
Madam Kong Ah How, 80, who has been living there with her husband for 36 years, said she is glad she no longer has to walk up two levels to reach the nearest lift.
She also spends more time at the void deck, now that there are more seats.
Her neighbour, Madam Koh Ah Wah, 84, said it is a breeze mopping the floor in the toilets with the newly tiled floor.
Other improvements include a children's playground and fitness stations, upgraded block facade and outdoor landscaped areas.
Within the flats, residents had their bathroom floor and walls tiled, and existing squat toilets were replaced with new sitting ones.
Some blocks also got an added utility room or new full-length windows.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim, who officiated at the completion ceremony yesterday, encouraged residents to use the new facilities.
'While the Government can spend the money to upgrade, ultimately it is you, the residents who can make the precinct vibrant with your active participation,' he said.
The upgrading cost $31.9 million for both the precincts.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on 30 June 2008.
