Singapore Property Frontiers

I REFER to the letter, ‘Conservancy charges: Is HDB giving value for money collected?’ (ST, Feb 12), and would like to add my two cents worth.

I live in a private condominium and currently pay $970 for three months in conservancy/management fees/sinking fund.

Although this includes the use of a covered carpark lot, swimming pool and gym, I find it exorbitant compared to other developments. The reason often given is that it is an older development and the funds may have to be used for repairs to the condo, that is, waterproofing, painting and repairing of lifts.

So while the letter writer, Mr Richard Lim Poh Chuan, finds that his $160 per month is too much to pay, please bear in mind that private condo dwellers are also subject to high fees and while we may feel it is not justified, we have no choice but to pay.

It would be interesting to know who governs such decisions and whether the amount can be lessened in any way. In this age of rising costs and inflation, it does not seem likely.

Jayandran Sandra Alison (Mdm)

Source : Straits Times - 14 Feb 2008