The modern, HIP kampung spirit emerges

Is the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) part of the Government’s plan to bring back the kampung spirit among residents? (“Almost 88,000 households applied for elderly-friendly home improvement scheme”; May 23)

As a HIP victim, as many would call ourselves, I find myself transforming into a Primary Five adventure camp-goer, queueing at the common toilets to relieve myself.

One spots familiar faces, but not so familiar anymore with their #iwokeuplikethis face and hair. One utters a hesitant, silent “hi” and finds oneself conversing with a neighbour whom one had never spoken to in 18 years of living here.

After 10 days of this uncommon sight in the morning, one becomes used to it for good.

The HIP was implemented in 2007 to offer residents new and improved home facilities at subsidised costs. Since then, it has been greeted with mixed opinions. I was once, like many, against the idea.

I am uncomfortable having to withstand the dust, loud drilling and foreign workers coming in and out of my house, much less having no toilets at home.

Every affected block has four to six cubicles installed in the void deck to meet our daily needs. These fully-equipped toilets are mostly occupied, and waiting time is 10 to 15 minutes depending on how considerate one’s neighbours are.

For sure during the HIP, we know the inconveniences our fellow neighbours are facing. Unless one is a compulsive phone addict, no one brings his or her electronic gadget to the toilets. This is one distraction down.

This circumstance forces us out of our shell while we make awkward but genuine small talk. It is heartening to see residents opening up during the renovation.

This win-win situation makes me think that we should have permanent common toilets in our void decks for what we have missed: Kampung spirit version 2.0.