A quiet service lane behind some private homes in Kovan — which residents have used as a popular shortcut for around 30 years — has been abruptly sealed off in recent weeks, leaving many frustrated at having to detour daily.
The passage runs behind houses along Robey Crescent and connects to Jalan Arif, leading towards Hougang Avenue 2.
It allowed residents easier access to local amenities such as bus stops, the coffeeshop, and supermarket.
Source: Google Maps
What residents long assumed was an “Ah Gong road” — a pathway so old and commonly used it felt public — is now blocked at both ends, with a metal fence on one side and a metal mesh barrier on the other.
Madam Lim, 49, said she has lived there for over a decade and used the shortcut daily without issue — until three weeks ago.
She now walks an extra 10 to 15 minutes each way, Shin Min Daily News (SMDN) reported.
“Many people walk here every day to go to work or school,” she said.
“Now that it’s suddenly closed, it’s inconvenient for all of us, since not everyone has a car.”
Even on a rainy afternoon, a reporter counted at least 20 people approaching the lane within half an hour to check whether the path had been reopened.
Two people were seen climbing over a railing beside the locked fence before continuing towards Hougang Avenue 2.
Mr Wang, 75, who lives along Robey Crescent, admitted he has climbed over the railing multiple times to reach the main road or the opposite HDB blocks.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
“Fortunately, I exercise regularly, so I am in good health,” he said.
“As long as I am careful, there will be no problem.”
According to SMDN, residents said the land belongs to a private owner.
Mr Wang claims that the owner had asked neighbouring residents about 10 years ago whether they wanted to buy the strip of land.
However, the offer had no takers.
The lane, he added, was originally a small drain when the private estate was built 40 years ago before being cemented over around 30 years back.
A female resident living beside the metal mesh barrier on Robey Crescent said many neighbours had mistakenly accused her of putting it up.
“The current lockdown has caused inconvenience to all of us, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” she said.
“After all, it’s the landowner’s right.”
Some residents, unhappy with the sudden closure, tore down the metal mesh near Robey Crescent.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
The metal fence closer to Jalan Arif, however, is locked and “very sturdy”, said 33-year-old resident Daufi, who has lived in the area for two decades and walked his dog through the lane almost every day.
He added that alternative routes include uneven paths and several staircases, which make access difficult for elderly residents and wheelchair users.
Source: Google Maps
Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Kenneth Tiong confirmed he has received multiple feedback from residents and has contacted the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Land Authority (SLA).
Source: Kenneth Tiong on Facebook
He added that the closure has inconvenienced those who rely on the shortcut to reach bus stops and nearby facilities.
Mr Tiong said that he will continue engaging both residents and agencies until the issue is resolved.
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News.