NEED TO WIDEN HOLLAND ROAD

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Communications and Works if he is aware of the urgent need to widen Holland Road from its junction with Ulu Pandan Road to its junction with Bukit Timah Road; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter.

Inche Abdul Hamid (for the Minister for Communications and Works): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Rural Board has already gone into this matter and has found that it is not feasible to straighten and widen this segment of Holland Road as it would necessitate the acquisition of land within fairly new Chinese cemeteries. Provision has already been made in this year's Rural Board estimate for a link road from approximately the 5¾ milestone Holland Road to join up Bukit Timah Road at the 6th milestone. This would make the widening of Holland Road unnecessary. The making-up of Coronation Road as another link road is also in train.

Mr John Ede: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister not aware that even a minor widening of the stretch of Holland Road under reference would assist traffic a very great deal?

Mr Speaker: That is a matter of opinion.