THE HDB was established with the objectives of providing both adequate housing and management services for public housing.
Town councils were then introduced to let residents decide which party to choose to manage their estates, to inculcate more responsibility among voters.
Over the years, town councils are being seen as the politicisation of estate management, tying how well the town council is run to which party was voted in by the residents.
Perhaps it is time for a change ("Take politics out of town council transfers: WP's Low"; Feb 13).
The Ministry of National Development could regulate and oversee town councils, just as how various agencies oversee charities and businesses. Under such a structure, MPs can focus on serving residents and on issues of national importance, rather than be bogged down by municipal issues.
Another alternative is to have town councils operate without a managing agent, just like Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. Instead of sub-contracting estate management out to managing agents, consultants could be appointed via tenders on a project basis.
Francis Cheng
Town councils were then introduced to let residents decide which party to choose to manage their estates, to inculcate more responsibility among voters.
Over the years, town councils are being seen as the politicisation of estate management, tying how well the town council is run to which party was voted in by the residents.
Perhaps it is time for a change ("Take politics out of town council transfers: WP's Low"; Feb 13).
The Ministry of National Development could regulate and oversee town councils, just as how various agencies oversee charities and businesses. Under such a structure, MPs can focus on serving residents and on issues of national importance, rather than be bogged down by municipal issues.
Another alternative is to have town councils operate without a managing agent, just like Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. Instead of sub-contracting estate management out to managing agents, consultants could be appointed via tenders on a project basis.
Francis Cheng
