THE Strata Titles Board's decision that "children's safety must be paramount" when it ruled that an owner of a condominium unit can install a grille, even if it may affect the appearance of the building, was a pragmatic ruling that should be lauded ("Family wins case to install grille in condo balcony for child's safety"; last Saturday).
In all work-related sectors, safety is never compromised and the strong arm of the law comes down very hard on those who infringe safety regulations.
Thus, why should one compromise on safety at residential units? Shouldn't the same approach apply?
I am appalled at the callous attitude of the management corporation of 7 One North Residences, even when the resident, Dr Sujit Singh Gill, had informed it that he had seen his four-year-old daughter trying to climb over the glass wall in the balcony. Thus, the Strata Titles Board's stern words on the management corporation - that it was "unreasonably difficult" with Dr Singh's request - was fully justified.
Dr Singh's lawyers rightly highlighted that the condo's by-laws had to be consistent with the 2005 Building Maintenance (Strata Management) Regulations, which allow the installation of safety grilles to prevent accidents.
I hope that, in the light of the new ruling, the condo's management corporation will do the right thing and amend its by-laws so that they are in sync with the 2005 Building Maintenance (Strata Management) Regulations.
This important ruling by the board would surely be a benchmark for future disputes. Other management corporations should heed this ruling and allow such safety requests without owners having to take them to task.
Rajasegaran Ramasamy
In all work-related sectors, safety is never compromised and the strong arm of the law comes down very hard on those who infringe safety regulations.
Thus, why should one compromise on safety at residential units? Shouldn't the same approach apply?
I am appalled at the callous attitude of the management corporation of 7 One North Residences, even when the resident, Dr Sujit Singh Gill, had informed it that he had seen his four-year-old daughter trying to climb over the glass wall in the balcony. Thus, the Strata Titles Board's stern words on the management corporation - that it was "unreasonably difficult" with Dr Singh's request - was fully justified.
Dr Singh's lawyers rightly highlighted that the condo's by-laws had to be consistent with the 2005 Building Maintenance (Strata Management) Regulations, which allow the installation of safety grilles to prevent accidents.
I hope that, in the light of the new ruling, the condo's management corporation will do the right thing and amend its by-laws so that they are in sync with the 2005 Building Maintenance (Strata Management) Regulations.
This important ruling by the board would surely be a benchmark for future disputes. Other management corporations should heed this ruling and allow such safety requests without owners having to take them to task.
Rajasegaran Ramasamy
