COMPLAINTS BY TENANTS OF S.I.T. HOUSES ON JALAN TECK WHYE ESTATE

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing if he is aware of the representations made by the tenants of Singapore Improvement Trust houses on Jalan Teck Whye Estate to the Assistant Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing on 17th May, 1958, complaining of:-

(i) excessive heat;

(ii) lack of secure protection of the windows;

(iii) clogging of drains by sand and mud; and

(iv) roof leakages;

and if he will state what action he will take, or has taken, in this matter.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Yes, Sir, I am aware of these complaints. In fact, the site was visited by the Acting Minister, the Assistant Minister and the Chairman of the Singapore Improvement Trust who inspected the area and discussed the complaints with the residents on 17th May, 1958. Action has been taken by the Singapore Improvement Trust to deal with (ii), (iii) and (iv). With regard to (i), it must be pointed out that the type of single storey units in this estate belongs to the low cost category. The Singapore Improvement Trust have omitted ceilings from such houses as a matter of policy in order to keep the rents low but if tenants wish to install them at their own expense, the Trust would be prepared to grant permission. In fact, Sir, permission has already been granted to all such applicants.

It has been ascertained from scientific experiments however that ceilings would not reduce the temperature by more than two degrees. A number of shady trees have already been planted in this estate and when they mature there will be a great improvement in the matter of temperature. Planting of further trees is being carried out in an effort to in crease protection from the sun but tenants can also help themselves by growing shady plants outside their houses.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: As a matter of interest, could the Minister tell us who carried out these scientific experiments which determine that with a ceiling the temperature goes down by two degrees?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Naturally, not by laymen like me, Sir.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Was it in any way connected with his Ministry?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: No, Sir.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: What is the authority

Mr Speaker: Order. Mr Lee Choon Eng.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, can the Minister tell us whether it is not possible for the Singapore Improvement Trust to raise the height of the roofs so that there will be more ventilation for those houses, thus reducing the heat?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Raising the height of the roof would probably cost more than installing ceilings.