Two owners of units in a walk-up building along Tanjong Katong Road are refusing to budge from their properties even as the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) initiate proceedings against them.
The SLA wants that building demolished to make way for Amber Station — one of the stations on the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line. The owners however aren’t moving believe that the compensation they’re getting are way below what they deserve, and will only move once SLA agrees to a bigger amount.
The owners had until the end of Apr 29 to move out of their homes and surrender their properties, but Sim Chian Lee and Cheng Quek Hin are resisting. Sim owns four units, including a provision shop on the ground floor, while Cheng owns one. Both are still living in the walk-up apartments — all other units in the building have already been handed over to the SLA.
They neighbours were compensated between $1.44 million and $1.62 million for each unit, which sums up to$1,009-$1,082 per square foot, according to the SLA. They were determined by independent private valuers according to the market value.
In addition to the compensation, SLA also offered assistance for the owners to relocate — including an 80 percent advance in statutory compensation, housing loan restriction waivers, and priority balloting for a HDB flat.
Sim, Cheng and three other owners however are seeking higher compensation, and have filed appeals with the Appeals Board (Land Acquisition). Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, Sim says that it should be around $1,700 and $1,800 per square foot, considering that it’s Tanjong Katong. Cheng says that he would need $3 million to look for property in the area, as landed property in the location are worth at least $4 million.
If the owners have yet to vacate the units after Apr 29 (when SLA takes over legal ownership), proceedings under the State Lands Encroachment Act will be initiated to enforce possession. Any remaining owners will have another 28 days till May 31 to vacate — and if they’re still stubborn, SLA will apply for a court order.
Of course, Sim and Cheng will also be able to present their arguments on why they refuse to leave should legal proceedings be undertaken. If their reasons are valid enough, SLA will have to find other ways to make them move out.
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