Jalan Kukoh Learning Journey (Part 2)
3. Poor Facilities - Promoting a Lifeless Environment
Concrete Experience
This was a building near carpark area, which was already fairly dark in the day and there are no lights installed, which means it would be pitch black at night.
The paint job of the corridors are very poorly done. With random patches of white used to cover up some parts of the walls.
Many shops were closed during mid-day, even the Senior Activities Centre that was supposed to be in operation.
The Jalan Kukoh RC is strangely located on the 4th floor of one of the HDB blocks.
Reflective Observation
The poorly lit corridors could help mask any danger lurking, causing residents to feel unsafe.
The poorly done paint job combined with the empty white walls create a feeling of emptiness, which is very different from typical HDB flats which are very well maintained and colourful.
With so many shutters of shops drawn across the neighbourhood, it creates a rather ominous feeling. Furthermore, it means that residents will not be shopping for necessities around the neighbourhood, and will have to travel out to get them.
The low visibility of the Jalan Kukoh RC, being on the 4th floor and so hidden, reduces accessibility of whatever resources it can provide to the residents of the community. With such limited space, it also prevents the fostering of a community spirit.
Abstract Conceptualisation
The poor facilities provided and poor maintenance of the neighbourhood supports the creation of a lifeless environment. It does not create a sense of belonging to the community nor a warm, friendly neighbourhood, the ominous feeling lingering over the neighbourhood makes it a place one want to leave as soon as possible.
Active Experimentation
I never realised that the maintenance of facilities and the liveliness of the neighbourhood is could affect the overall atmosphere and perception of a place so drastically. It made me realise that, if I don't want to hang out there, what about the residents who live there? Where then do the youths go to hang out? Does it make it safer or more dangerous for them to stay away from their own neighbourhood?
4. Overall Poor Hygiene and Comfort
Concrete Experience
There was significantly more trash and pests around. I saw more than a couple cockroaches and the lift areas is significantly darker and dirtier. We even saw a fish left on the floor to feed the stray cats that was attracting flies and ants.
In every other neighbourhood, you can see almost whole rows of air conditioning units across all floors. In Jalan Kukoh, even in hot and humid Singapore, most units do not, and are unlikely to be able to afford air conditioning.
We passed by this one unit and it caught my eye due to the multiple delivery packs that we saw outside the house.
A stench of cat poop flooded one particular area in the estate that was quite unbearable.
Reflective Observation
I didn't think too much into the smell, until Danial mentioned a significant point, "You can't escape smell."Many of them don't have air conditioning units and would tend to leave their doors and windows open for air circulation in hot and humid Singapore. It made me realise that all the those residents in these one room rental flats, have to live with this stench even inside their houses.
The multiple delivery packs suggests a family member who work for all three food delivery companies likely for extra income, ready to go whenever a new food order comes in.
These excessive litter and pests could mean that the neighbourhood could be more susceptible to diseases and illnesses as well.
Abstract Conceptualisation
It's the little things that add up. And all these little things are adding up to the deteriorating comfort and hygiene of the residents at Jalan Kukoh, but this is their reality. In such an environment, it is unlikely to be a conducive environment for youths to study, where then do they go? Do they stay in their schools? Or do they go somewhere else?
Active Experimentation
The two ends of the spectrum of income inequality is so drastic. When the weather gets too hot, I switch on the air conditioner, the less existent litter and non existent smell in my neighbourhood. It made me realise all the little things in my life that I take for granted as well, those that are present, and those that are not.
Final Thoughts on Jalan Kukoh
The bright pink and yellow colours of Jalan Kukoh disguises lifeless, empty and almost looming estate.
Concrete Experience
This was a building near carpark area, which was already fairly dark in the day and there are no lights installed, which means it would be pitch black at night.
 |
| Poorly lit letterbox area |
The paint job of the corridors are very poorly done. With random patches of white used to cover up some parts of the walls.
 |
| Poor paint job along the corridor |
Many shops were closed during mid-day, even the Senior Activities Centre that was supposed to be in operation.
 |
| Many shops closed at 3pm on a Tuesday |
 |
| Senior Activities Centre was closed |
 |
| Jalan Kukoh RC on the 4th floor |
Reflective Observation
The poorly lit corridors could help mask any danger lurking, causing residents to feel unsafe.
The poorly done paint job combined with the empty white walls create a feeling of emptiness, which is very different from typical HDB flats which are very well maintained and colourful.
With so many shutters of shops drawn across the neighbourhood, it creates a rather ominous feeling. Furthermore, it means that residents will not be shopping for necessities around the neighbourhood, and will have to travel out to get them.
The low visibility of the Jalan Kukoh RC, being on the 4th floor and so hidden, reduces accessibility of whatever resources it can provide to the residents of the community. With such limited space, it also prevents the fostering of a community spirit.
Abstract Conceptualisation
The poor facilities provided and poor maintenance of the neighbourhood supports the creation of a lifeless environment. It does not create a sense of belonging to the community nor a warm, friendly neighbourhood, the ominous feeling lingering over the neighbourhood makes it a place one want to leave as soon as possible.
Active Experimentation
I never realised that the maintenance of facilities and the liveliness of the neighbourhood is could affect the overall atmosphere and perception of a place so drastically. It made me realise that, if I don't want to hang out there, what about the residents who live there? Where then do the youths go to hang out? Does it make it safer or more dangerous for them to stay away from their own neighbourhood?
4. Overall Poor Hygiene and Comfort
Concrete Experience
There was significantly more trash and pests around. I saw more than a couple cockroaches and the lift areas is significantly darker and dirtier. We even saw a fish left on the floor to feed the stray cats that was attracting flies and ants.
 |
| Dirty and poorly lit lift landing |
 |
| Fish left by residents to feed stray cats |
 |
| Flies and ants swarming the fish |
 |
| Most of the residents of Block 3 do not have air conditioning units |
 |
| Deliveroo, Food Panda and Grab Food delivery packs spotted outside one unit |
I didn't think too much into the smell, until Danial mentioned a significant point, "You can't escape smell."Many of them don't have air conditioning units and would tend to leave their doors and windows open for air circulation in hot and humid Singapore. It made me realise that all the those residents in these one room rental flats, have to live with this stench even inside their houses.
The multiple delivery packs suggests a family member who work for all three food delivery companies likely for extra income, ready to go whenever a new food order comes in.
These excessive litter and pests could mean that the neighbourhood could be more susceptible to diseases and illnesses as well.
Abstract Conceptualisation
It's the little things that add up. And all these little things are adding up to the deteriorating comfort and hygiene of the residents at Jalan Kukoh, but this is their reality. In such an environment, it is unlikely to be a conducive environment for youths to study, where then do they go? Do they stay in their schools? Or do they go somewhere else?
Active Experimentation
The two ends of the spectrum of income inequality is so drastic. When the weather gets too hot, I switch on the air conditioner, the less existent litter and non existent smell in my neighbourhood. It made me realise all the little things in my life that I take for granted as well, those that are present, and those that are not.
Final Thoughts on Jalan Kukoh
The bright pink and yellow colours of Jalan Kukoh disguises lifeless, empty and almost looming estate.
 |
| Exit near the car park |
In the case of Jalan Kukoh, it really does seem that poverty is deliberately hidden. Especially in the Central Business District of Singapore where we are seen to be a first world country. We boast a clean, green and safe city, with a booming economy, hight quality education and high standards of living.
We do not want to disrupt the beautiful narrative that we have painstakingly created for ourselves, and the one in which we live in everyday. Where we believe that meritocracy is fair and just for all, you reap what you sow.
The residents of Jalan Kukoh, are just one of the many victims of our system. They are at the losing end of the rising income inequality and are falling through the cracks, yet the cycle continues. We know poverty exists even though they are hidden, the real question is, what are we doing about it?
(990 words)
We do not want to disrupt the beautiful narrative that we have painstakingly created for ourselves, and the one in which we live in everyday. Where we believe that meritocracy is fair and just for all, you reap what you sow.
The residents of Jalan Kukoh, are just one of the many victims of our system. They are at the losing end of the rising income inequality and are falling through the cracks, yet the cycle continues. We know poverty exists even though they are hidden, the real question is, what are we doing about it?
(990 words)
Hi Rachelle! Thank you for bringing me through your experience in Jalan Kukoh. Never having been there myself, I am shocked to see that the area looks so dull and dirty and cannot imagine how people who live there feel. This cannot possibly be an ideal environment for a child to grow up in. I believe that the government is aware of the situation and I hope that they realise that they should serve all of Singapore, not just those who they deem worthy to serve.
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