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OneService Community
Cluttered Corridors

Clean and clear corridors. Safe spaces for all.

31 January 2024

A community-led Best Block Contest in Bishan East–Sin Ming encouraged residents to declutter common corridors through outreach and rewards, resulting in safer 1.2-metre clear spaces and stronger community collaboration.

📌 About the project

  • Bishan East-Sin Ming Ward, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC (2024).

  • Led by Bishan East-Sin Ming Community Emergency & Engagement (BESM C2E) Committee and Bishan East Zone 1 Residents' Network (RN), in partnership with the People’s Association (PA), National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), and the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council (BTPTC).

  • A "Clean & Clear Corridors. Safe Spaces for All" Best Block Contest was launched among selected HDB blocks in Bishan with high feedback on corridor clutter, encouraging residents to declutter their corridors and common spaces. 

🏘️ The issue

  • Cluttering common corridors with personal items and belongings could create fire and safety hazards, obstruct access to and from homes, and hinder emergency response and evacuation efforts.

💡 What we did

  • In conjunction with the C2E Community Resilience Month, the project team launched a “Clean & Clear Corridors. Safe Spaces for All” Best Block Contest in January 2024 to encourage households in selected blocks to work together to declutter common corridors. Winning blocks received tokens of recognition.

  • Actively engaged 170 households in the area to communicate the importance of keeping common spaces, such as corridors and staircases, clutter-free.

Community volunteers pose holding flyers during a neighbourhood engagement activity.
The project team engaged households as part of its outreach for the Best Block Contest, educating residents on the importance of keeping common areas clutter-free.

 🔍 What we learnt

  • Sustained results were more achievable when agencies and residents co-drove initiatives, reinforcing behavioural norms over time.

  • Combining direct outreach, clear communication, and contests and rewards proved impactful and effective in promoting long-term behaviour change.

⚙️ Key considerations

  • Initiatives such as contests not only improved physical spaces but also strengthened community bonds, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and a kampong spirit.

  • Leveraging diverse partners helped tap complementary expertise in outreach, education, and resident engagement, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

📈 Impact

  • Significant decluttering of common spaces was observed in participating blocks, with maintenance of a 1.2 metres clear width space.

  • The initiative strengthened collaboration between residents and partnering agencies, fostering community unity and a kampong spirit.

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