On Sunday (14 July), 22 volunteers from the non-profit organisation Helping Joy went to clean a Boon Lay Drive flat following complaints from neighbours about a persistent stench.
The flat was found filled with trash, and its walls and ceilings were covered in mould.
Source: Helping Joy Ltd “助乐” – Charity Organization on Facebook
There was cat hair everywhere, and the cabinets reeked of cat urine.
One of the volunteers, Ms Wen, told Shin Min Daily News that a woman in her 60s resides in the unit with an astonishing 47 cats.
In a Facebook post, Helping Joy stated that the woman, Madam Z, struggled to clean the flat as the urine had deeply permeated the furniture and walls.
The smell was even noticeable from the corridor, added Ms Wen.
Source: Desmond Lee on Facebook
Together with a team from Turnkey Projects, volunteers repainted the walls and relocated all items downstairs, advising Madam Z to discard those with strong odours.
Even the lights and ceiling fan were covered in cat hair and had to be discarded.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee joined the volunteer team to assist with cleaning efforts at the flat.
Source: Desmond Lee on Facebook
Ms Wen noted that Mr Lee has consistently supported their efforts in Boon Lay, often joining them during their activities.
This time, he even treated all the volunteers to lunch.
On Monday (15 July), Mr Lee shared photos of the cleanup on his Facebook page, thanking Helping Joy for their help.
Source: Helping Joy Ltd “助乐” – Charity Organization on Facebook
“Grateful to our friends from Helping Joy for helping one of our families in Boon Lay yesterday,” he wrote. “Their home had been uninhabitable because of cat hoarding by a family member, which they have now resolved with the support of agencies.”
One of his photos showcased the remarkable transformation achieved by the team’s efforts — the formerly cluttered unit now appeared spotless.
Source: Desmond Lee on Facebook
Shin Min Daily News highlighted that the cleaning operation wrapped up in just six hours.
Plans are underway to furnish it within a week before Madam Z moves back in.
Ms Wen mentioned that essential items such as the bed, wardrobe, sofa, refrigerator, and lights were irreparably damaged and had to be replaced.
Regarding the cats, they were safely rescued and taken in by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) for rehoming.
Ms Wen believes they will find temporary shelter at a centre before being adopted, although final arrangements remain uncertain.
Also read: WP Volunteers Clean Up Elderly Eunos Woman’s Cluttered & Roach-Filled Flat As She’d Scalded Her Leg
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Featured image adapted from Helping Joy Ltd “助乐” – Charity Organization on Facebook.
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Both parties, aged 70 and 60, are assisting with police investigations for intentional harassment.
The fire involved the engine compartment, SCDF said.
Localised flash floods typically subside within an hour, PUB said.
The police do not currently suspect foul play.
The victim is in critical condition.