Member of Parliament (MP) for Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Louis Chua said on Thursday (26 Aug) that there were no structural concerns with Rivervale Mall, and that the cracks formed on the façade of the mall were due to the plastering on a non-load-bearing wall.
In an earlier report, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has ordered the owners of Rivervale Mall to hire a professional engineer to investigate the cracks that appeared on the mall’s façade and to carry out rectification works.
This came after photos of the cracks that appeared on the exterior wall of Rivervale Mall were circulated on social media.
Speaking to The Straits Times on Wednesday, BCA noted that an engineer was sent to investigate the damage and preliminary investigations showed that the top portion of the concrete facade wall was separated from the adjoining brick wall.
It also observed that the cracks had been patched up before, but the structural integrity of the building is not affected.
Following that, Mr Chua took to his Facebook page on Thursday noting that Sengkang Town Council and the MPs have received feedback from residents who expressed concern over the cracks seen on the façade of the mall.
“We reached out to the management team of Rivervale Mall yesterday, who updated us last night that there are no structural concerns with the mall.
“Headed down to meet up with the team on the ground this morning nonetheless, to understand the situation better. The cracks were apparently due to the plastering on a non-load-bearing wall, and algae on the wall made the cracks appear magnified,” he wrote.
Mr Chua said that the management team is awaiting the professional engineers’ report to carry out repair works to the affected portion.
Though he noted that the structural integrity of the building is not affected, Mr Chua urged residents to avoid the barricaded areas as a safety precaution.
“Also, the mall completed its structural inspection in 2018, and is set to commence Repairs and Redecoration (R&R) works after Chinese New Year in 2022.
“The entire façade will then be refurbished by then, and residents can look forward to a refreshed mall after its completion,” the MP added.
