TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Mr Lim Koon Teck asked the Minister for Communications and Works what progress has been made towards easing the traffic congestion at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Yio Chu Kang Road.

Mr Francis Thomas: As the hon. Member will probably recall from answers I have previously given in the Assembly, plans have been drawn up by the Rural Board on its own and the City Council's behalf to relieve traffic congestion along Yio Chu Kang Road by straightening and widening the road from its junction with Upper Serangoon Road to its junction with Serangoon Garden way. Effect cannot be given to these plans until proceedings are completed for the acquisition of the additional land required for the project. I am informed that enquiries under the Land Acquisition Ordinance have been fixed for next month, May. When these are completed, offers of compensation can be made to the owners after which possession can be taken of the land.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Mr Speaker, Sir, it seems that this question relates to traffic congestion at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Yio Chu Kang Road. It is not along Yio Chu Kang Road as the Minister said.

Mr Speaker: Will the hon. Member ask a supplementary question?

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Sir, it seems the answer is not for this question.

Mr Francis Thomas: Is that a question, Mr Speaker?

Mr Speaker: I take it it is a question, Mr Minister.

Mr Francis Thomas: I am only indicating to the House, Mr Speaker, what measures are liable to improve the flow of traffic in that area. Presumably cars moving rapidly along Yio Chu Kang Road will debouch from Yio Chu Kang Road more rapidly also. If the hon. Member has anything further in mind, perhaps he will indicate it.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Mr Speaker, Sir, the faster traffic moves along Yio Chu Kang Road towards the junction, the greater will be the congestion and we would like to ask the Minister what step he is going to take to help ease that congestion.

Mr Francis Thomas: This is a matter which can be referred to the local government authority and not to the Minister.