Residents can tap different channels to resolve disputes, say MPs

Disputing parties have different options to resolve issues between neighbours, including the option of securing a legal order to ensure both sides stick to agreements made in court.

- Andrew Wong Correspondent

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, the MP for Bukit Panjang, said disputes between neighbours and residents occur fairly consistently in his constituency.

“Each time I do my house visits, we will pick up a few cases of these complaints or areas of dispute. We also receive feedback from residents on issues that they are facing with their neighbours,” said Mr Liang.

He pointed out that there are steps in place for such disputes to be resolved.

This begins with MPs or volunteers helping to open up a line of communication between the sparring neighbours, to allow both parties a platform to voice their concerns and hear each other out.

“This works for some cases. Often, when we first bring them to meet up, they may come with some strong views and emotion,” said Mr Liang, a four-term MP.

“But this usually gives way to understanding when they get a chance to really hear each other out.”

He added that most disputes he has come across involve noise complaints and clutter along common corridors.

Through open dialogue, many who complain come to understand why some issues occur.

Mr Liang said that in one case, a person who complained about loud footsteps coming from a neighbour found out it was because the neighbour’s child was hyperactive, which led to a better understanding of the issue.

Mr Yip Hon Weng, MP for Yio Chu Kang, said that early dialogue and a willingness to listen can help turn conflict into friendship.

He recalled a pair of neighbours in his constituency who brought their noise complaints about each other to a Meet-the-People Session. A mediation session was arranged for the pair, which helped to melt away the tensions.

“Today, they are good friends. Stories like this remind us that disputes can be resolved constructively when residents choose dialogue over confrontation,” said Mr Yip.