GOVERNMENT POLICY ON FLOOD PREVENTION (Ulu Pandan Pilot Scheme)

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Communications and Works whether he will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding flood prevention, and in particular whether he will state the Government's intentions regarding the Ulu Pandan Pilot scheme.

Mr Francis Thomas: The first part of the question raises a large and complicated issue. I think it can best be answered by the publication of a White Paper which is now in draft and which will be laid before this Assembly early in 1957.

The second part of the question refers, I think, to the pilot scheme which the hon. Member mentioned in the Assembly in November 1955, when he told us that the object was to demonstrate whether the flood waters from the Alexandra area could flow westward into the Ulu Pandan valley. As regards that scheme, I think it is only a pilot canal that was dug on the westward side of the Buona Vista road and railway; obviously the Alexandra water cannot flow down on the other side of the road and railway. It has to be taken past the road and railway which at present we cannot do. If the flood waters of the Alexandra area are to be carried out to the westward through the Ulu Pandan channel, which is the right solution, then it will be necessary for three high velocity box culverts to be installed under the road and the railway embankments. This and other flood alleviation measures are contained in the Chief Drainage Engineer's report on the catchments of the Singapore River and the Sungei Ulu Pandan, which will shortly be laid before this Assembly. The implementation of this scheme, in part at least, is important for the development of Queenstown and it is intended to seek provision for these culverts to be constructed early in 1958.

Mr Seah Peng Chuan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the House may be aware of the sufferings of hundreds of farmers in Singapore because of the recent flood which cause them about one million dollars in damage.

Mr Speaker: Order. I take it that the hon. Member is leading up to a supplementary question. This is the time for supplementary questions only.

Mr Seah Peng Chuan: Mr Speaker, Sir, this is a supplementary question. I would like to know what steps the Government has taken to compensate the farmers on their recent loss. I would like to bring to the notice of hon. Members -

Mr Speaker: Order. Would the hon. Member confine himself to a supplementary question? This is not the time for a debate. If the hon. Member wishes to take up the matter further, there are other ways of doing so.