ATTAP-AND-PLANK DWELLING-HOUSES

Monday, 18th November, 1957

Mr Lim Cher Kheng asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing

(a) what is the total number of attap and-plank dwelling-houses on Singapore Island built on-

(i) Crown land occupied under Temporary Occupation Licences; and

(ii) private land; and

(b) whether any measures are being taken by the Government to assist the occupiers of such dwelling-houses, when demolished by the owners of the land, to find alternative accommodation or to obtain compensation.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: (a) There are no comprehensive records from which the exact number of attap and plank dwelling houses whether on Crown or on private land in Singapore can be ascertained: the existing records of the City Council, Rural Board and Land Office do not provide this detailed information. A survey of attap areas carried out in July 1953 for the purpose of assisting in the preparation of the Master Plan estimated, however, that of temporary housing in the form of plank and attap huts, some 246,000 people were living within the area shown in the Town Map, and it was possible that a further 150,000 lived in attap huts in the rural area, including the Islands.

(b) In so far as Crown Land or land acquired for public purposes is concerned, the Member for Changi is probably aware that a comprehensive re-housing and resettlement scheme has been in operation for some time by which alternative accommodation and! or ex-gratia compensation is provided to bona fide occupants who are required to move from their houses on land required by Government or other public bodies for development. With regard to private land, Government cannot compel owners to pay any ex-gratia compensation but it is believed that Government's example has had a persuasive effect on many owners who have paid occupants in accordance with Government's own rates.