JOHORE RIVER SCHEME (Completion date)

Mr A. P. Rajah asked the Prime Minister when the Johore River Scheme will be completed to meet the additional water supplies required for Singapore.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Mr Chan Sun Wing) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply.

The Johore River Scheme will take about four years to complete. On completion, it will be able to supply Singapore with an additional 25 million gallons of water a day.

This Scheme is expected to ensure an adequate water supply for the island's population over a period of five to ten years. Should the consumption increase beyond what is expected at present, the Scheme would be extended. The minimum yield from the Johore River is approximately 300 million gallons a day.

In the foreseeable future Singapore's consumption of water cannot exceed the potential supply from the Johore River.

Mr Rajah: Mr Speaker, Sir, am I to understand that the first supply from the Johore River cannot be expected in Singapore before four years?

Mr Chan Sun Wing: The answer is yes.