OFFICES AND STAFF FOR NEW DISTRICT COUNCILS (Request for Statement)

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether he will make a statement on the office buildings being constructed and the staff so far made available for the purposes of operating the new District Councils; and whether he is satisfied that the new regional offices are working satisfactorily.

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, temporary District Council Offices have already been erected for Serangoon and Katong District Councils and are open for inspection. Each building has a meeting room, secretariat and departmental offices for engineering and building staff, the health and cleansing staff and the assessment and revenue staff. For the Jurong/Bukit Panjang District Council, there is already a permanent office which later will be extended.

The staffing needs as well as other problems arising from the establishment of District Councils were studied by a working party, which, in its reports recommended additions to the present available Rural Board staff. The report was adopted by Government and the financial provision for the additional staff was approved by this Assembly in April this year.

Once the District Councils have been in operation for a few months, it will be possible to review the position to ascertain if all the provisions made are in fact adequate. From the measures taken, the District Councils should work satisfactorily.

Mr John Ede: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that the horse now seems to be ready before the cart?