After two months of renovation, the hawker centre at Aljunied Crescent reopened last month. One stallholder said her rent was now S$1,400; it was S$1,000 pre-renovation.
She was aware that many of her customers were elderly and poor, but said she had to increase the prices of some dishes. Wanton noodles that were S$2.50 are now S$3. Half the stalls are still closed.
Surely the town council’s surplus funds could have been used for the renovation to stall the increase in food prices?
No wonder poor residents view the upgrading of hawker centres and wet markets with trepidation. Unnecessary renovation should be stopped.
Tan Chek Wee
*Letter first appeared on TODAY, Voices (26 Sept)