RDU unveils its own town council management proposal to Jurong GRC residents ahead of GE

SINGAPORE: Ahead of the upcoming General Election, Red Dot United (RDU), an alternative party in Singapore, has developed its own town council management best practices policy proposal.

This initiative aims to demonstrate to residents in the constituencies they will contest how RDU will implement transparent, accountable, and resident-centric governance in the town councils they manage.

On Sunday (25 August), DU, led by Secretary-General Mr Ravi Philemon, launched the party’s Town Council Management Plan during a National Day celebration in Jurong GRC.

Mr. Philemon highlighted the proposal’s significance, noting that, as a party without previous parliamentary presence or experience in town council management, this plan is crucial for showcasing their readiness and commitment to effective estate management.

He emphasised the importance of reassuring residents, particularly in Jurong GRC and other constituencies they may contest, that RDU is dedicated to maintaining and improving their town councils.

He acknowledged the challenges of managing town councils and promised diligent and effective management.

Mr Philemon stressed the importance of engaging with the community through regular consultations and feedback sessions.

He stressed the necessity of engaging with the community through regular consultations and feedback sessions, noting that RDU has already started this process with walkabouts and feedback collection on various issues, including infrastructure problems and maintenance concerns.

Mr Philemon also highlighted the importance of responsiveness to both residents and business owners within the constituencies.

RDU’s TC Management Proposal highlighting Transparency and Community Engagement

RDU’s Town Council Management Plan emphasises transparency and accountability, pledging to implement rigorous procurement protocols and publish quarterly reports on town council activities.

The proposal includes establishing an independent oversight committee with an internal auditor to monitor compliance and ensure ethical standards if elected to manage a town council.

The plan also includes organizing monthly community forums, or “kopi sessions,” to engage residents in decision-making processes. These forums will rotate across different wards, allowing residents to voice their concerns and influence priorities for improvement works.

RDU aims to prioritise urgent maintenance tasks based on resident feedback and safety assessments, using cost-effective procurement methods to address local issues such as cleanliness and pest control.

To enhance residents’ quality of life, RDU plans to invest in green spaces, parks, and community safety, organize cultural and recreational activities to foster social cohesion, and seek additional funding for special projects.

The proposal includes establishing clear channels for reporting issues and conducting periodic surveys to assess satisfaction, ensuring prompt resolution of concerns and continuous improvement.

RDU also plans to prioritize environmentally friendly products, minimize waste, and invest in renewable energy. A Green Score Card will be implemented to track and report on sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, RDU’s proposal mentions forming a Transition Committee to manage the handover process smoothly and evaluating the current Managing Agent contract to consider future management options based on what best serves residents’ interests.

In introducing the proposal, Mr Philemon assured that town councils under RDU’s management would actively seek and utilize government funding and programs to support neighborhood development, ensuring that residents benefit from available resources and improvements.