Teh Cheang Wan
Singapore
“The Board does not propose to reinstitute the procedure for the resale of flats at the respective Area Offices in Ang Mo Kio New Town. As a pilot project, the Board has centralised the resale of Ang Mo Kio flats at Sales Section, Maxwell Road.”
“At the contract price or whatever it is, and this is due to the mistake made by the HDB, the HDB has been quite generous. If the mistake made by the HDB staff has been to sell the flat at lower than the posted price, then the owner has the benefit of this mistake.”
“The Member for Potong Pasir is asking a question which I have to check for an answer. I do not carry with me the millions of accounts of HDB flat-owners with me. So I cannot give him an immediate answer. But I can assure the Member for Potong Pasir that those people will be refunded.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since the announcement by HDB on 4th July 1986, 49 HUDC lessees appealed to the Board to buy their flats. All were unsuccessful. As at 20th September 1986, 27 HUDC flat owners had sold their flats in the open market. Twelve of them sold their flats above their original purchase prices.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since the implementation of the policy, HDB has resold 13 HUDC flats from among those flats HDB bought back from the HUDC owners. In addition, HDB has sold 44 new HUDC flats. The slow sale of HUDC flats is due mainly to the depressed property market.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have no figures readily available as to how many of these 49 HUDC flat-owners who requested the Board to buy back the flats have committed themselves to buying other property.”
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“These are resettlement cases who have been subjected to a second or third resettlement, i.e. those who have already been resettled in one area are asked to move again. This situation arises in an ares where no development project was thought necessary a few years earlier but subsequently a new project has sprung up and therefore these people have to be resettled again. We appreciate the problems and the loss these people suffer when they are subjected to a second or third resettlement. That is the reason why the Ministry has set up a committee to look into the question of higher compensation for such cases.”
“If anything, in the normal course of events, the number of residents will reduce once the children are grown up and leave the family and set up home elsewhere. So in the old estates, we have experienced a gradual reduction in population. Therefore, we cannot upset this ratio drastically because to do so will mean that, instead of solving a small problem just to satisfy one or two applicants for conversion of stalls, we are creating a very big problem when all the hawkers of cooked food stalls come running to complain that they have not enough business. So we cannot upset this ratio. The Member for Whampoa mentioned about creepers growing on lamp posts. If the creepers grow properly on the lamp posts, and they are very luxuriant, then it is not necessary for us to paint the lamp posts because the lamp posts will be well covered. So the question of painting the lamp posts does not arise. The other point is that the Parks and Recreation Department will trim the creepers. We will not allow the creepers to overgrow so that the lamp itself is covered up. We are also not growing creepers on all the lamp posts. In areas where there are trees we do not usually grow creepers on the lamp posts. We grow creepers on lamp posts only in places where there is a lack of greenery. The growing of creepers on lamp posts is carried out only as an experiment, not on an island-wide basis. This experiment will be reviewed in a year or two, We will then decide how many lamp posts should have creepers and what type of creepers should be grown. The Member also raised the question of an increase in resettlement benefits. Resettlement benefits have just been increased recently. We are going to set up a committee to look into special cases in order to enhance their compensation.”
“It is very difficult to add an additional lift once the building of a block of flats is completed. Very often, we have to find a suitable location and no matter where we place the second lift, there are bound to be complaints and difficulties. So we locate the lift in a place we consider to be most practical and perhaps least objectionable. 6.45 p.m. On his request that the allocation of flats be made more flexible and that we should allocate fiats near to the residents' place of business, I say that if we do that there will be considerable difficulties and it will even create confusion. So the rational solution would be to bring jobs to the doorstep of the people, i.e. to set up industries in all the new towns. So those who wish to work near their residence will have the opportunity to get jobs either within the Housing Board estates or in industries near the Housing Board estates. On the question of a change of business by the hawkers, I would like to mention here that the HDB has, in its experience over the last 20 years, worked out the ratio of cooked food stalls to the number of flats. So if we maintain this ratio, then the number of stalls will be adequate and the stallkeepers will get reasonably good business. Unfortunately, it is quite often said that the cooked food stall makes more money, and therefore the hawkers want to convert their stalls to cooked food stalls. But if we convert all the stalls in the market to cooked food stalls, then the end-result would be a surfeit of cooked food stalls and their business will suffer. This is also because the number of flats and the number of residents are fixed.”
“However, as a result of the complaints and because the car parks are not large enough to accommodate the lorries, we are experimenting with this segregation of the lorries and cars in different parking places. If this pilot scheme is successful, it will be introduced in other car parks. Again, there is a conflict in Members' complaints. For example, the Member for Telok Blangah complained to us that the car owners had complained to him that the lorries had scratched their cars. Now the Member for Bedok has brought up the point to say that the lorry drivers are not happy because they have to park their lorries some distance away. I understand that everybody likes to park his lorry or car in front of his flat. So we are carrying out this segregation as an experiment and as part of our programme to solve parking problems. The Member for Whampoa raised many points. I think he was talking about one -room emergency flats in his constituency. As I have said just now, the HDB is planning to demolish all the one-room emergency flats. It will cover Whampoa as well. The Member spoke about a sports/swimming complex to be built on a piece of land which he had indicated to me earlier. Unfortunately, I understand the Master Plan Committee has allocated a bus terminus to be built on this piece of land. Since a bus terminus is required, they decided that this is the most suitable piece of land for it. Anyway, I will ask the Master Plan Committee to look for an alternative site for the building of a sports complex in that area; not just for Whampoa constituency but for the surrounding residential estates in that particular zone. On the siting of a second lift in a block of flats, this is a bit unfortunate.”
“We have observed that some drivers do not follow the road signs because the road is wide enough for them to take the shortest way out of the car park. We think it is quite reasonable for them to do that, and so we have removed the road signs. For those roads which are wide enough for two-way traffic, we have removed the "one-way" road signs. The "one-way" road sign remains in car parks only where the roads are narrow and suitable for one-way traffic. The hon. Member for Bedok raised two points. As regards petrol stations, it is an essential service within housing estates. In the allocation of petrol station sites, the HDB takes into consideration the convenience of the car-owning residents, who need these facilities, as well as compatibility of the site in relation to the surrounding land use. A petrol station is a standard provision within HDB estates. It is the practice of the HDB to keep the MP informed of the major developments within his constituency. However, the details of the planning are dealt with by the HDB planners in consultation with the relevant Ministries and departments. We usually do not bother the MP with the details, because they are very cumbersome, involving a lot of authorities. The HDB has set aside two car parks in Bedok New Town for lorries and buses. This has been done as a result of complaints by the residents that their cars have been scratched and dented by lorries. This is only a pilot scheme. So for the majority of the bus and lorry drivers have found this arrangement to be satisfactory, although I have no doubt that some lorry drivers would like to have the convenience of parking their lorries right in front of their flats.”
“Alternatively, if there is need for a community centre, we will allow for the building of a community centre. If there is a need for open space, we will allow for the expansion of open spaces. This is part of our programme for the improvement of the old housing estates. As regards the one-room improved flats, at present they are still very popular. There is no proposal to convert the one-room improved flats. That is the reason why we are spending part of the $21 million to install metal windows at the rear balcony of these old one-room improved flats. That covers most of the points raised by the Member for Kim Seng. The Member for Paya Lebar raised a point about resettlement. I must say that the complaint is really one of misunderstanding. The issue of a Notice to Quit is a more formality. It is a legal requirement. Although the notice says, "You are to vacate the place within one month", no physical action will be taken to move anybody out within one month after serving the notice. This is only a legal requirement. This is a formal notice to tell the squatters that the land that they are now occupying is required to be cleared and they should vacate the site by a certain date. Following this formality, the squatters will be offered resettlement compensation according to their entitlement. They are only required to vacate the site after they have been compensated for their houses and other improvements and given alternative accommodation, if they are eligible. But before that, we will not move them out. The Member for Telok Blangah raised the point about road signs in the car park. We have removed the road signs because we discovered that some of the roads in the car park, although meant for one-way traffic, are wide enough for two-way traffic.”
“The Member for Kolam Ayer raised the point about Housing Board tenants who have purchased new flats. He wants to know how long the Board will allow the tenant to remain in his rented flat. After the balloting, we usually allow him three months to carry out renovation and improvement to the flat. Then he has to move in. But here again, we are quite flexible. If he says that he needs another month to finish the renovation, we usually allow him. We do not chase him out. The Member for Kim Seng raised several points. I think I have already touched on some of the points, but not all. I would like to assure the Member that as regards the four-storey SIT fiats, there is no proposal to demolish these flats at present. In fact, the tilt of several blocks of flats is due to the subsidence of the piling. As the Member is aware, those blocks with serious defects have already been demolished earlier and in their place we have built new flats, near the Delta Circus. On the particular tilted block, the HDB is carrying out a regular six-monthly chock. If we find that the subsidence has stopped which means that there is no danger to the residents, then we will not do anything. But once we detect the subsidence to be a continuous one which means that there is a possibility of danger to the residents, then before that point is reached, we will offer the residents alternative accommodation. And when they have moved out, we would demolish the flats. The Member can be assured of that. Regarding the emergency flats in the Member's constituency, we are demolishing the one-room emergency flats as part of the improvement programme for the old estates. In their place, we are building new three-, four- or five-room flats.”
“He or she can either got a relative to live with him or her or to sublet the rooms. If the person still insists on living alone we usually try to persuade him to move into a one-room flat. The reason is that the one-room flats are closer to one another and if he gets sick or something goes wrong, he can be given assistance. I think it is much better. 6.30 p.m. On the question of increase in income limit, more or less the rule of thumb is this. For the payment of the instalments for the purchase of HDB flats, usually the amount should not exceed the purchaser's monthly CPF contribution. So a purchaser's take-home pay will not be affected. Whether or not we increase the income limit, we will work it out in this way. As I have said earlier, I have asked the HDB to try its best to see how it can absorb a certain part of the increase in cost. After the HDB has proposed the percentage of increase in the selling price, then we will work backwards. If we find that it is necessary to increase the income limit, then we will increase it. But if we find that it is within their income limit and they are still able to pay the instalments out of their CPF contributions, then there is no point in increasing the income limit. On this question of income limit, the HDB has been very flexible. On the question of allowing people to transfer to flats near their working place, I think the HDB is really doing the other way round. For example, a hawker has a stall in the city ares but he lives in Bedok. That means his stall is a great distance away from Bedok. If there are empty stalls in Bedok, he can submit his application for transfer and the HDB will favourably consider allowing him to transfer his stall to Bedok on account of a change in residence.”
“The Member for Toa Payoh asked what would happen in the event of the death of the owner of a flat if the co-administrator had no beneficial interest in the estate. I would like to clarify that in such a case if the co-administrator has no beneficial interest in the estate of the deceased, he can apply for an HDB fist. If the co-administrator has a partial interest in the estate of the deceased but is not able to take possession of the inherited flat for his own use such as other members of he family are living in the flat, he is eligible o apply for exemption and thereby register for a new flat. This is the point which has caused complications. Another point raised is what will happen if the size of a family staying in an HDB flat is reduced by natural causes, such as death or marriage? If only one person is left to occupy a three-room flat, the HDB will encourage him to get his relatives to live with him or to sublet the rooms under the HDB approved sub-letting scheme. The idea is to make full use of the flat. What we do not like is the idea of having a three-room, or a four-room or even a five-room flat with only one person living in it. Another reason is that, if the only occupant is an old man or an old woman and he or she falls sick, there is no one to help. We do not like a situation where an old folk dies in a flat, and we know next to nothing about it until the body smells. That is the reason. Therefore, it is undesirable for an old folk to live by himself or herself for this reason. It would be better if there is a sub-tenant or a relative living with the old folk. As regards rented fiats, if the size of a family living in a three-room flat is reduced and only one person is left, the same rule applies.”
“It will be the third exhibition in the series organised by the Ministry of National Development. As some hon. Members in this House may remember, the first exhibition was held in 1972 in conjunction with the Heads of Commonwealth Government Conference. The second exhibition was organised in 1976 as part of the Tree Planting Day campaign. The exhibition in 1976 attracted over 113,000 visitors. The aim of the next exhibition is to promote an interest in the creation of a pleasant environment and to encourage the pursuit of hobbies such as aquarium fish-rearing, orchid growing, gardening and fruit growing. This show is expected to last for five days. It will have four sections, that is, horti-culture, aquarium fish, fruits and vegetables, and a commercial section. Out of the allocation of $261,000, the lion's share of the budget, that is, 54%, will go towards the payment of rental for the Exhibition hall. The remaining $120,000 will be spent on the construction of stalls, booths and fittings, purchase of materials, transport of the exhibits and publicity. It is expected that the cost of mounting the show will be totally recovered from the sale of admission tickets, stall rentals, advertisements, etc. In other words, we hope that no public funds will be expended on this show. The Member for Telok Blangah has also asked whether the Parks and Recreation Department can develop part of Telok Blangah into a park with various amenities. I will ask the Parks and Recreation Department to look into this matter. The Member for Toa Payoh has raised several points. One is the registration for a new flat which I believe is the same point raised by the Member for Changi.”
“I understand that the HDB is now installing an automatic ticketing device in one of its car parks as an experiment to see how it works. What I want to say here is that the coupon parking system was introduced with the object of killing two birds with one stone. First, it will result in substantial savings in manpower by the URA. This is very important because we are short of manpower. We do not want our able-bodied people to work as car park attendants. Secondly, once the motorists have got used to it, coupon parking is more convenient than employing car park attendants. This is something which very few people realised. A motorist needs to carry only one or two booklets of coupons and once he learns how to use them, he simply needs to cancel out the appropriate time and date and display the coupon on the car windscreen. This is more convenient than the old system of having to wait for the car park attendant. Sometimes the car park attendant is not around because he may be attending to a long stretch of cars parked on the kerbside. In the case of the coupon parking system, he does not have to wait for the car park attendant. And if a motorist presents a $10 note, the car park attendant may not have any small change, particularly if he has just come on duty and will not have any money to change. This can lead to an argument, which can be a problem. The coupon parking system is therefore very convenient. A car owner can certainly afford to buy $10 or $20 worth of coupons to keep in his car. This system will be very convenient for the car owners. The Member for Kolam Ayer has asked about the provision of $261,000 for the Horticulture and Aquarium Fish Exhibition. This exhibition will be held in the third quarter of 1980.”
“If the defects appear after one year, the HDB will either advise the owner to carry out his own repair or, if he has not got any contractor and does not know how to go about it, the HDB will usually supply him with the name of the term contractor of the HDB. The HDB can also make arrangements for the owner to contract the term contractor to repair the defects. On the point raised by the Member for Telok Blangah regarding the coupon parking system, this system was introduced on 1st February, 1980. The use of the coupons will be strictly enforced only from 1st May, 1980. In other words, we are giving the motorists a three-month grace period to adapt themselves to this system. A survey on the use of the parking coupons has shown that by the end of February 55% of the motorists are already displaying their own coupons. This is to say that only one month after the introduction of the coupon parking system, 55% of motorists are familiar with this system. We are confident that the motorists will get used to the coupon parking system after three months. In February, 164,000 parking coupon booklets were sold. In March, an average of 5,000 coupon booklets were sold per day. The coupon system has been adopted after very careful study because we are of the view that mechanical devices, like parking meters, have several drawbacks. For example, they are subject to breakdown and damage either by vandalism or exposure to the elements. Parking meters also require a large manpower for their maintenance. The automatic ticket booth suggested by the hon. Member is suitable for a large centralised car park with limited entry and exit points, as in the case of HDB car parks.”
“This includes the provision of markets/hawker centres, shops, recreational facilities, schools, bus terminals, bus interchanges, roads, industries, etc. I must emphasise here that at present the construction industry in Singapore is stretched almost to the limit. Therefore, it is not possible for the HDB and other Government departments to provide all the amenities at the same time. I share the view of the hon. Member that if we can provide all the amenities at the same time in the new towns, namely, schools, recreational facilities, libraries, polyclinics, that would be ideal. But, unfortunately, our building industry is not in a position to provide them all at once. What we do is this. The more essential amenities, such as markets and shops, are usually provided first to minimise the inconvenience to the residents who have moved in. Other amenities will be provided by various other authorities and the HDB as and when the need arises. I agree with the Member that the need arises very early after the residents have moved in, but the facilities are provided later. However, the land for the various facilities such as school sites have been provided. The Ministry of Education and the PWD are trying their best to provide for schools in the New Towns. Even after the flats have been occupied, the HDB continues to coordinate with other Government departments to ensure that the residents' welfare is taken care of. The Member has also touched on the defects in the HDB estates. It is the HDB policy that all minor defects, such as cracks in the walls and ceilings should be made good by the building contractors within the period of ons year from the date of purchase of the flat. Every effort is taken to ensure that these defects are made good as soon as possible.”
“In addition, HDB is looking into the feasibility of installing closed circuit television for its lifts. We are still carrying on with our experiment to find out the effectiveness of closed circuit television. A decision will be made in about six months' time on the installation of this device. As Members know, HDB has also spent a very considerable sum of money in providing sports and recreational facilities to improve its old estates. Some examples are the Delta Sports Complex along Alexandra Road, which was completed a few months ago; the Katong Swimming Complex which was completed to cater for residents in the Old Kallang Airport Estate and Tanjong Rhu Estate; the Geylang East Swimming Complex which was built to serve the old estate in MacPherson and also the new estates in the Geylang East area. Also, currently under construction are the Kallang Basin Complex and the Bukit Merah Complex. These sports complexes are built to serve the old housing estates. Members can see that HDB will never be able to recover the amount of money it has spent from increases in the rental of flats in the old estates. I will give you some figures. The last increase was in 1979. For the one-room improved flat, the actual increase was $2.50 per month. The increase was, in fact, very minimal. 6.15 p.m. On the point raised by the Member for Serangoon Gardens, the Ministry of National Development has a Master Plan Committee, and all plans for New Towns are evaluated by the Master Plan Committee. The Committee comprises representatives from relevant Ministries and departments. Its function is to ensure optimum land use and the provision of adequate land for all the amenities necessary for the well-being of residents in the New Towns.”
“In fact, we have been continuously improving the old estates. The HDB is spending about $21 million on the installation of steel windows to the balconies of the old flats, and about $45 million on the provision of additional lifts for the old blocks of flats which have only one lift each. HDB has spent $2.5 million on the installation of safety features, like alarms and sirens in the lifts. HDB will spend another $20 million on the installation of automatic rescue devices for lifts. Some of the Members in this House have said that the lifts have not been performing satisfactorily. I can assure the House that HDB will spare no efforts to improve the safety features of the lift and other amenities in the old estates.”
“Member is worried that the HDB's slow-down in its building programme will make everybody pay more. My intention is, in fact, just the contrary. If that is the intention, I would not have requested the public to accept the flats allocated to them. I will give some figures on this. HDB currently has 4,280 units of new flats being offered now to those on the waiting list. In April and May, another 4,678 flats will be ready for balloting. I have made public the HDB's intention to raise the prices, so that 8,958 new flats can be speedily allocated to applicants before the price increase takes effect. So from now until May there will be about 9,000 flats to be sold at the old price. I hope that those who are lucky enough to be offered a flat would not turn it down. They should accept it. In the last 20 years, HDB has only increased rentals once, and that was by 10% in 1979. Although HDB is now also planning to increase rentals, the proposed increase will be on a lower percentage than that of flats for sale. I share the sentiments of hon. Members in this House and, in fact, quite a few Members have spoken to me that we should not increase rentals too substantially because a large percentage of tenants are living in one-room flats. I share the view that tenants staying in these flats are from the lower income group and so they are least able to afford any increase in rental. So the increase in rental will be minimal. I would like to assure Members that the rental of the flats has always been and will continue to be heavily subsidized. Whatever increase levied on rentals will only be a token increase. On the question raised by the Member for Kim Seng on the improvement of old estates, I would just like to give some figures. HDB has not neglected the old estates.”
“If we add the land cost of $6,000 per unit and the financing cost of $3,000 during the period of construction, then the total cost for a three-room now flat is $32,800. Today, the selling price of a three-room new flat is $18,200 in the New Towns, and therefore HDB has to subsidize 44% or $14,600 per unit. At present, the subsidy which HDB carries for every unit of three-room flat is 44% or $14,600 per unit. It is quite obvious that the HDB cannot go on subsidizing forever. If we continue subsidizing for another two or three years, HDB will become bankrupt. In other words, HDB will have no money to build any amenities which Members have requested. Also, the HDB will not be able to improve the old estates. So it is essential that we make a price adjustment. For a four-room flat, the subsidy is 33%, and for a five-room flat, the subsidy is slightly less, 27%. The subsidy is very high. As the HDB has absorbed half of the increase in costs for the period 1974 to 1978, it is not possible for the HDB to absorb a very substantial part of the 1979 inflation. So HDB has requested for a 30% increase in the selling price. But I have asked HDB to try its best to see how much the Board can help to absorb the increase in costs so that the full 30% inflation need not be passed on to the purchasers. In other words, I have asked HDB to try to work hard and they are still working hard on it. At this stage, I am unable to inform the House of the exact price increase. I hope that it will be less than 30% but I must say that it will not be substantially less, which means that the HDB will not be able to absorb half of the inflation. So the increase will be more than 15% but I hope it will not be by a very big margin. One hon.”
“Sir, several Members have expressed concern about the impending increases in prices of HDB fiats and in rentals. I would like to give some more information to clarify this matter. The construction cost of public housing, unfortunately, has been very seriously affected by the world oil price increases. Inflation for HDB flats has been considerably higher than the general rate of inflation in Singapore. This is because of the hike in the production cost of building materials, like steel, cement and bricks. Two-thirds of the cost of bricks is due to energy cost, while energy cost constitutes 50% of the cost of production of steel. Sir, as you can see, this is a very serious matter. If the oil price continues to rise, I am afraid the inflation of building costs would just follow the oil price increases. It was because of the stability of oil prices in the years prior to 1973 that the HDB was able to keep its prices unchanged from 1960 up to the end of 1973. Members can see that the Housing and Development Board has kept the selling price of flats stable for a very long period. The first price adjustment was made only in 1974. Between 1974 and 1978, building cost has inflated by about 30%. In mid-1979 HDB increased its selling price of flats by 15% and rentals by 10%. So HDB has absorbed more than half of the inflation between 1974 and 1978. Unfortunately, in 1979, the oil price increased by almost 100% and the HDB building cost has been inflated by about 30% in 1979 alone. I will give the figures for the construction cost. I do not want to bore Members but I think it is useful to give these figures. In 1979 the construction cost for a three-room new flat increased by 34% or $6,050, from $17,750 to $23,800.”
“I get his point, Sir. For sand, the measurement is in cubic metres. For granite, it is in tons. SUPPLY AND SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY BILLS (Business Motion) 2.38 p.m. Resolved, That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the second and third readings of the Supply Bill for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981 and the Supplementary Supply Bill for the financial year 1st April, 1979 to 31st March, 1980 may be proceeded with immediately on the conclusion of the proceedings on the Budget for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981. - [Mr Goh Chok Tong] MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1980 TO 31ST MARCH, 1981 Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [2nd Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Head R - 2.40 p.m.”
“Sir, I think the Housing and Development Board's sand quarry at present produces about 100,000 to 120,000 tons of sand per month. In about six months' time, another new quarry will start production. It is owned by the Resources Development Corporation and we hope the new quarry will produce about 50,000 tons of sand per month. Consequently, if this is found insufficient, additional quarries will be set up. On the question of bricks, I think the Housing and Development Board's brick kiln produces at present about 30 million pieces of bricks per year. We are planning to double production of this kiln in about 18 months' time. It takes about 18 months to set up a new kiln because machinery and other equipment have to be ordered. We are also encouraging the private sector to set up brick kilns. If they are interested, we will consider granting them approval.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board and the Resources Development Corporation, a private company wholly-owned by the Government, are already taking measures to increase production of sand, granite and bricks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no slow-down in the public housing programme. Though the number of flats to be built over the next few years will be reduced slightly, these new flats have bigger floor areas and more improved features. The total volume of construction work will, therefore, not be lower than that of previous years. Good workmanship depends on the availability of a large pool of skilled workers. At present, our construction industry has to depend on unskilled foreign workers. The Housing and Development Board together with the Vocational and Industrial Training Board have implemented a scheme to train local construction workers but the output is not sufficiently large to create an impact. My Ministry is at present looking into more effective ways of attracting school leavers into the construction industry as well as upgrading the skills of construction workers. From our experience, a 12-month maintenance period is optimal. Most of the defects would have been rectified by then. This is also an accepted practice in the construction industry. There is no advantage in increasing the maintenance period to 18 months. It will instead lead to substantial price increases by contractors. Moreover, with the large construction programme of the Housing and Development Board, it is not possible to ensure that defects do not occur even after 18 months. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Production of building materials) 3. Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the accelerated increase in the cost of building materials, especially sand, granite and bricks, whether the Housing and Development Board will consider stepping up production of these building materials in order to curb further steep price increases.”
“I think the site will be awarded most probably sometime next month, If the successful tenderer accepts the offer, he will have to start construction within 12 months. The hotel itself will take another two years to complete. So I would say the project will be completed within three years. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [5th March, 1980] [2nd Allotted Day], "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981." - [Mr Goh Chok Tong, Minister for Trade and Industry]. Question again proposed. 2.48 p.m.”
“Sir, at that time, i.e. a few years ago, the Urban Redevelopment Authority was not very certain whether the offer of a hotel site near the Airport would have any takers because the commuters could easily travel from the Changi International Airport to the City area in a very short time by the construction of the East Coast Parkway. However, recently we have received several enquiries from parties who are interested in the development of a hotel in that area. For this reason we have offered a site.”
“Sir, the Urban Redevelopment Authority has offered a site at the end of Upper Changi Road for the development of a hotel in its 8th Sale of Sites. Several tenders have been received and they are being evaluated. An award is expected to be made soon.”
“Sir, the Bukit Merah Town Centre will serve Telok Blangah New Town and the Bukit Merah area. Its development is almost completed. The amenities presently available include shops, offices, hawker centres, restaurant and eating houses, a cinema, social function hall and polyclinic. The swimming complex, presently under construction, will be ready by January 1981. There are also plans to provide a branch library and another cinema. Construction of a basketball court for Telok Blangah New Town will commence in May 1980. The Housing and Development Board plans to build another two basketball courts and four hard courts for badminton, volley ball and sepak takraw. BILL INTRODUCED HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Housing and Development Act (Chapter 271 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. REVISION OF BUDGET SITTINGS (Business Motion)”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of applications received from the private sector for all types of development for the period 1.1.76 to 31.12.79 was 41,278. Of this figure, 1,633 applications were for residential development comprising: (i) 283 applications or 29,565 units for condominiums; (ii) 140 applications or 1,184 units for terrace houses; (iii) 231 applications or 1,134 units for semi-detached houses; (iv) 340 applications or 571 units for detached houses; and (v) 639 applications or 15,992 units for flats. Out of 1,633 residential applications, 871 applications totalling 16,754 units were approved. Approval of planning applications does not necessarily result in subsequent construction and sale of such units. Some developers for their own reasons may not proceed with development. Statistics collected under the Housing Developers Act show that 1,543 residential units approved over the period 1.1.76 to 30.9.79 were sold. These comprise 1,190 flats and condominiums, 188 terrace houses, 140 semi-detached houses and 25 detached houses. To-date, 43 applications for residential development are under processing and decisions are expected in one to two months' time. BUKIT MERAH TOWN CENTRE (Sports and recreational amenities) 6. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what amenities will be provided for Telok Blangah residents at the Bukit Merah Town Centre and when these will be completed; and (b) what other sports and recreational amenities are planned for Telok Blangah.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have mentioned earlier, there will be two blocks which will be used for rental only. They will have a combination of 1-, 2- and 3-room flats. I am afraid I do not have the exact details here. But these two blocks will comprise about 200 units, TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 2. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Trade and Industry when the Trade Development Council will be set up; whether the private sector will be invited to sit on the Council, and what will be the scope and functions of the Council vis-a-vis increasing trade with the Third World and developed countries.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the HDB will build 3,766 units of flats next to the existing Punggol Estate as part of the Hou Kang New Town. There will be 34 units of 1-room flat, 68 units of 2-room flat, 1,595 units of 3-room flat, 1,395 units of 4-room flat and 674 units of 5-room flat. Two blocks, which will be used for rental only, will have a combination of 1-, 2- and 3-room flats. Construction work has begun for 438 units, comprising 34 units of 1-room flat, 68 units of 2-room flat, 225 units of 3-room flat and 111 units of 4-room flat. These will be completed by the fourth quarter of 1980. The other units are scheduled for completion by the end of 1981.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Under the existing provisions in section 8 (2) of the Architects Act, 1976, all architects must have practical experience in Singapore for a continuous period of 12 months in architectural work after qualifying and having passed such professional practice examinations prescribed by the Board before they are entitled to registration with the Board. This provision deters good experienced architects to seek registration in Singapore. The Bill also seeks to provide for the registration of architects without the need of passing a professional examination if the architect has at least - (i) Five years post-qualification professional experience of which two are in Singapore; or (ii) 10 or more years post-qualification professional experience of such a standard as may be recognised by the Board. Singapore can then attract good experienced architects who can inject new ideas and thinking to improve the quality of architecture here. This will also help to augment the pool of architectural talents to meet the needs of our construction industry. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Teh Cheang Wan]j Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 -”
“INCOME TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Income Tax Act (Chapter 141 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Estate Duty Act (Chapter 137 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 92 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture (Mr Ong Teng Cheong); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. PRIVATE HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CLINICS BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.30 p.m.”
“Sir, the Public Works Department will install traffic lights at the Upper Changi Road/Tanah Merah Besar Road/Tampines Road junction in the third quarter of Financial Year 1980/81. BILLS INTRODUCED 3.25 p.m. INFECTIOUS DISEASES (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Infectious Diseases Act, 1976 (No. 21 of 1976)". presented by the Minister for Health (Dr Toh Chin Chye); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Dentists Registration Act (Chapter 215 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Dr Toh Chin Chye; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Poisons Act (Chapter 164 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Dr Toh Chin Chye; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Central Provident Fund Act (Chapter 121 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Labour (Mr Ong Pang Boon); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. REGISTRATION OF CRIMINALS (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Registration of Criminals Act (Chapter 119 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed.”
“Sir, the Parks and Recreation Department has no plans to develop more recreational facilities at Changi Village since there is already a sizeable park in the Village built by the Housing and Development Board. In the vicinity of Changi Village, the Parks and Recreation Department is developing the coastal strip abutting the Changi International Airport for recreational use. When completed, the strip will provide good swimming beaches and have amenities like foot-paths, cycle tracks and picnic grounds. There are no plans to develop the beach at Kampong Permatang at present, in view of the many hectares of sandy beaches created through reclamation on the mainland and in other offshore islands which are not yet fully utilised. UPPER CHANGI ROAD/ TANAH MERAH BESAR ROAD/ TAMPINES ROAD (Installation of traffic lights) 17. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development whether traffic lights will be installed at the Upper Changi Road/Tanah Merah Besar Road/Tampines Road junction.”
“Sir, the Public Works Department is currently reviewing the overall traffic situation in Bedok New Town to meet the needs of the New Town when it is fully developed. This review includes the number of traffic junctions that could be allowed along New Upper Changi Road. On completion of the review, and if warranted, traffic lights will be installed at the junction of New Upper Changi Road and Bedok South Avenue 1 in the third quarter of the next financial year. Traffic studies are being conducted at the junction of Bedok North Road and Bedok North Avenue 3 and, if warranted, traffic lights will be installed. At present, most pedestrians cross New Upper Changi Road between the bus terminus and Temasek Primary School. A pedestrian overhead bridge will be built at this location. The number of pedestrians crossing New Upper Changi Road opposite the Bedok Interchange is small. There is, therefore, no need to construct a pedestrian overhead bridge there at present. CHANGI VILLAGE/ KAMPONG PERMATANG (Recreational facilities) 16. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development whether his Ministry can provide recreational facilities at Changi Village and at the beach in Kampong Permatang, Pulau Tekong, which is popular with picnickers and campers from mainland Singapore.”
“Sir, the Bedok Sports Complex will be built in three phases. The construction of Phase I comprising a swimming complex of four pools for 2,500 swimmers started in February 1979. The construction of Phase 11 comprising a soccer field, a 400-metre athletics track and spectator stand for 1,500 people, started in October 1979. Both phases will be completed by February 1981. Phase Ill will comprise a small indoor stadium. The Housing and Development Board is now monitoring the usage of the recently completed Delta Indoor Stadium. If the findings are favourable, the construction of the stadium will begin in the third quarter of 1981 and will be completed by the first quarter of 1983. BEDOK HOUSING ESTATE/ NEW UPPER CHANGI ROAD (Traffic lights and pedestrian overhead bridge) 15. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin asked the Minister for National Development if the relevant authorities will reconsider installing traffic lights at the junctions of (i) Bedok South Avenue 1 and New Upper Changi Road; and (ii) Bedok North Road and Bedok North Avenue 3, and whether it is feasible to construct a pedestrian overhead bridge across New Upper Changi Road, opposite the Bedok Interchange, in view of the frequent accidents at the aforementioned places.”
“The appellant will be allowed to proceed with the development without waiting for the outcome of the appeal, if he pays up the development charge. If the appeal succeeds, the difference between the amount paid and the development charge determined by the Minister shall be refunded to the appellant. The valuation system represents a rational approach to meet the demands for development which require rezoning. It is an equitable system and gives an incentive to the developer who retains 30% of the increase in land value. With the new system, Government will be more flexible when evaluating development proposals which involve rezoning or increases in plot ratio or density, especially in areas which are suitable for rezoning. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Teh Cheang Wan]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. ECONOMIC EXPANSION INCENTIVES (RELIEF FROM INCOME TAX) (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.20 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The present system of levying development charge for rezoning and for increases in plot ratio and density is based on flat rates. These rates were prescribed in 1965 and are now grossly unrealistic. In addition, the fixed-rate system does not accurately reflect the change in land value arising from rezoning since it does not take into account the original zoning and other factors such as location and accessibility which affect land value. Under the system, development charge is payable on rezoning even though there may be no increase in land value. The Bill seeks to give effect to a new and equitable system of levying development charge. Under the new system, development charge will be at a prescribed percentage of the appreciation in land value or at revised fixed rates, whichever is higher. The percentage to be prescribed, under subsidiary legislation, will be 70%. This valuation method will reflect more accurately the increase in land value. The revised fixed rates are intended to serve as a guide to landowners who wish to submit proposals which require rezoning. The Bill requires the development charge to be paid only if there is an appreciation in the value of the land. It empowers the Chief Valuer, or such other person as the Minister may appoint, to determine the amount of appreciation in the value of the land arising from the g!ant of planning permission which involves rezoning and increases in plot ratio or density. The Bill also provides that appeals shall be submitted within 30 days of the notice of the development charge. An appeal fee which will be prescribed must be paid before an appeal can be considered.”
“Yes, the joint ownership will be allowed. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Teh Cheang Wan]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT DEBATE (Exemption from Standing Orders)”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Under the existing rules, applicants and purchasers of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, including their spouses and other authorised occupiers, are not allowed to own other properties. The HDB may compulsorily acquire the flats of existing flat owners if this condition is breached. Those who wish to purchase commercial properties for their own business are thereby penalised as well. This Bill proposes to allow applicants and purchasers of HDB flats to own commercial properties for their own business provided the HDB's written consent has been obtained and the property value does not exceed $250,000 or any higher value that may be decided. The other aspect of the Bill is to prescribe penalty fees for infringements of the conditions covering application, sale and usage of HDB flats. At present, the HDB can only resort to compulsory acquisition of the flats for such infringements. The fees will be imposed for cases which do not warrant compulsory acquisition. This will enable the HDB to be more effective and flexible in its enforcement. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think we can leave it to the experts in the Parks and Recreation Department to decide on the proper site for the planting of fruit trees. I am sure they will take this into consideration when they plant the fruit trees. BILLS INTRODUCED 3.06 p.m. PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Planning Act (Chapter 279 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan); read the First time: to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. ECONOMIC EXPANSION INCENTIVES (RELIEF FROM INCOME TAX) (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL "to amend the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act (Chapter 135 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Goh Chok Tong); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. FACTORIES (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading reed. 3.08 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in fact, this has been carried out. We have been planting fruit trees in army camps and in schools. That is the first step. Subsequently, when our children have acquired a good sense of leaving the fruits alone, we can then most probably plant fruit trees along the streets.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am in full agreement with the Member for Punggol, but in our beautification campaign, we usually start with the planting of trees. A tree is a large plant with a crown of leaves and branches. This is especially so with the instant trees which grow very fast. So generally they give the impression of a mass of greenery, This, in fact, is what we want. We want to put the greenery first, and the next step is to introduce colour.”
“Sir, the answer is yes. The planting of trees and flowers always goes hand-in-hand with the landscaping of the area.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since April, 1978, my Ministry has implemented an intensive programme to beautify the Republic by planting trees and shrubs along roads, in public parks, housing estates and other places. As part of this programme, some 50,000 flowering trees and 20,000 free-flowering shrubs have been planted. During the next 18 months, the Parks and Recreation Department will plant 75,000 trees and 600,000 shrubs throughout the Island. Of these, 60% will be of the flowering variety.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is a proposal to develop a new fishing port and fish market at Punggol to replace the Kangkar Fish Market. The proposal is under consideration and, when approved, is expected to be constructed in the early 1980's. BEAUTIFICATION OF SINGAPORE 13. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development whether his Ministry has any plans to beautify the Republic by planting more flowering plants, e.g. in the city, Housing and Development Board estates and other suitable places.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Lim Chu Kang has been chosen as a pig farming area because it is far away from any residential estate, Moreover, owing to its remote location, it does not lend itself favourably to development as a residential estate. KANGKAR FISH MARKET (Replacement of) 12. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the inadequate facilities at the Kangkar Fish Market, when his Ministry will build another fish market.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there have been complaints of intermittent malodour against the pig farms in the Seletar Farmway area from residents in the nearby residential estate at Seletar. Owing to their proximity to residential estates, these farms will have to be phased out. However, they will not be required to do so immediately. The programme for phasing out is being worked out, taking into account the development of Lim Chu Kang as an intensive pig farming area and clearance of other pig farms in the catchment areas. Every endeavour will be made to minimise hardship and disruption. Under the new resettlement policy, enhanced rates of compensation will be paid to these farmers. Mr Hwang Soo Jin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Hon. Minister seems to give the impression that there has been an oversight in converting the Seletar Farmways into a pig farm area, and therefore the farmers will now have to be resettled again. I am just wondering whether the same mistake will be made in the case of Lim Chu Kang, when in due course the farmers there will again have to be resettled.”
“Pig farms at Jalan Kayu which have adversely affected the amenity of nearby residential areas will be phased out earlier, In the phasing-out process, the Primary Production Department will give every assistance to pig farmers who wish to convert to other non-pollutive types of farming.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, pig farming is a highly pollutive activity. With limited land resources we cannot continue to sustain small inefficient pig farms spread out haphazardly all over Singapore. Besides under-utilizing our scarce land resources, such farms because of their pollutive nature will sterilise large tracts of land which can be used for industrial, commercial or residential development. The Government has, therefore, decided that in order to control pollution, all future pig farming activities should be concentrated in a relatively isolated agricultural area in the north-west corner of Lim Chu Kang. Large modern commercial farms rearing a minimum of 5,000 pigs each on an intensive basis will be set up. Efficient farmers and other entrepreneurs can apply for land for this purpose. The Government will provide waste treatment facilities for the pollutive discharge from pig farms at Lim Chu Kang. A levy of $10 per pig slaughtered in Singapore will soon be introduced to enable waste pollution facilities to be set up. It is expected that this levy will increase the retail price of pork by only 15 cents per kati. In return, Singaporeans will be able to continue enjoying local fresh pork at reasonable price. Land is being acquired at Lim Chu Kang and development work will commence in the near future. With the development of Lim Chu Kang as a pig farming area, no pig rearing will in future be allowed elsewhere in Singapore. As a first step, the Government will phase out all pig rearing from the catchment areas and river basins in Singapore over the next two years. Thereafter, pig rearing in other areas will be phased out. Existing intensive pig farms at Punggol will be permitted to remain for the next 10 years.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with the development of the new Changi Airport we have exercised considerable restraint in the construction of HDB flats in the area because most parts of the Constituency fall within the noise zone. It is just like the present Paya Lebar Airport where there is virtually no construction of flats in the Paya Lebar constituency. CHUA CHU KANG CONSTITUENCY (Establishment of modern pig farms) 10.”