Workers' dorm where cleanest rooms get cash prize

SINGAPORE - When Mr Johnathan Cheah decided to build a dormitory last year, he was determined to make it a real home for the foreign workers staying in it.

The 4,000 workers who stay at Changi Lodge2 in Tanah Merah Coast Road take part in activities planned by the lodge management.

Since the dormitory opened in October last year, there have been football tournaments, barbecue parties and talent contests.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) applauded the management of the dormitory for its efforts to build "trust, understanding and better rapport" with the residents.

There are monthly "cleanest room" contests and the winners get cash vouchers. Workers in Changi Lodge 2 pay $285 a month. The average rate elsewhere is $260.

Senior workers are selected to form a residents' council, which meets regularly with the management to make suggestions on what improvements they would like to see in the dormitory.

For example, the workers suggested that they would like to have benches and tables at the ground floor of the dorm so that they can gather more comfortably. These were provided for them.

Dormitory staff members also make an effort to get to know the workers. Dormitory master Syvester Henry, whose job it is to maintain discipline, said he plays football, chess and basketball with the workers regularly and joins them for dinner.

"It makes my job easier when the workers get to know me. If there are any problems with their discipline, they will listen to me because I am a friend to them," said Mr Henry.

The management also benefits when the workers feel a sense of belonging in the dormitory, said general manager James Henrich Goh.

He said: "We hope that the workers will keep the place clean and neat, just like their own homes. And so far, we have not had any major problems in ensuring this."

Changi Lodge 2 has amenities such as a mini-mart - which sells fresh food - a barber shop and recreational facilities, such as a basketball court, gym, television and reading rooms.

These were built according to BCA requirements.

The BCA leases out the land that Changi Lodge 2 occupies.

Mr Cheah said about $20 million was spent building the dormitory.

Workers say they appreciate the efforts by the dormitory management.

Thai construction worker Phisit Songkramyos, 53, said: "More Thai action movies were played when I asked for them. I am very happy."

Bangladeshi construction workers Md Habibullah Jewel, 28, said: "I feel happy to come home every day. It is a nice place."

Ref:straitstimes