JEM reopens on Wednesday after checks and repairs

SINGAPORE - The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has given JEM Shopping Mall's affected area a clean bill of health after it had collapsed last month due to a burst water pipe overloading the ceiling.

A Mechanical Professional Engineer (PE) engaged by the building owner had inspected the pipework system and certified that it is safe for operational use.

Checks by a civil PE also confirmed the design integrity of the false ceiling systems in the affected area, as well as other parts of the mall.

Further inspections were conducted by BCA and PUB, and they were satisfied that rectification works have been completed.

After 11 days of closure, Jurong East shopping mall JEM announced on Facebook that it will be reopening on Wednesday, 2 October. It was temporarily closed for checks and repairs after a ceiling collapse incident on 18 September.

On its Facebook page, JEM thanked patrons for their patience and support, and welcomed all to shop and dine at JEM on Wednesday from 10am onwards.

The 3-month-old shopping mall has been plagued by a string of unfortunate events - a delayed opening due to a lack of fire permits, two fire outbreaks in its car park and a retail store, and the most recent ceiling collapse and flooding. Earlier on, the JEM management considered seeking help from fengshui masters.

In a Lianhe Wanbao report, JEM declined to comment when asked whether 2 October will be an auspicious date for its reopening, and added that the shopping mall is resuming business as soon as possible after completing checks and repairs.

The JEM management has also discussed compensation with tenants affected by the ceiling collapse incident, but details will not be made public.

Hundreds of people have clicked "like" on JEM's reopening announcement on facebook. However, there are people who question whether the repair works done were thorough enough to warrant such a quick reopening.

minlee@sph.com.sg
grongloh@sph.com.sg