Koi Fish Tank at the Doorstep of Tampines Street 41 Jumbo HDB

A Housing Board flat owner in Tampines Street 41 made headlines in 2019 when he converted the doorstep of his property into a fish tank for his koi fish. The resident had enclosed the area surrounding the steps up to his ground-floor unit to form a glass tank housing around a dozen pet fish. However, he was unaware that he needed permission to make this alteration.

Belatedly, the man approached the Tampines Town Council for a permit. In August 2018, Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng described the tank as „creative“ and indicated that it was likely to be allowed as long as it was structurally sound and safe.

Despite initial approval, the Housing Development Board (HDB) later ordered the removal of the fish tank. The HDB stated that the tank’s position along a common corridor posed safety concerns that could potentially lead to injuries or fatalities. The glass tank, exposed electrical sockets, and cables connected to the tank were cited as safety hazards.

The flat owner, who also owns the adjacent unit, argued that the space was his private landing and should be allowed to keep the tank. He highlighted that the tank had brought the community together, with visitors coming from various areas to view it. The owner had initially kept koi in normal fish tanks but decided to build the tank on the steps as the fish grew larger.

To strengthen the tank, the owner used metal brackets to line its edge. The tank contained more than 50 litres of water and around eight or nine Japanese koi. He preferred to keep the fish outdoors, believing that the sun helped the koi develop brighter colors.

Despite the owner’s efforts to maintain the tank, the HDB’s safety concerns ultimately led to the decision to remove it. The case highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations and safety standards in public housing estates.

In conclusion, the fish tank on the doorstep of the HDB flat was a unique and visually appealing addition that sparked community interest. However, safety considerations ultimately took precedence, leading to the removal of the structure. The incident serves as a reminder of the need to balance creativity with safety in residential settings.