FLOOD PREVENTION OF SUNGEI PANDAN AREA

Mr Ong Chang Sam asked the Minister for National Development what steps have been taken to prevent further flooding of the Sungei Pandan area.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Mr Chor Yeok Eng) (for the Minister for National Development): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, I have been asked by the Minister to answer this question.

Regarding this question of flooding, we have started an investigation. When a comprehensive survey of the whole catchment area is completed and a scheme to prevent further flooding has been prepared, it is expected that work on flood alleviation schemes will commence towards the end of this year. And by the end of 1962, when the scheme is expected to be completed, there should be no further flooding �n this area.

Mr Ong Chang Sam: (In Mandarin): Has the Parliamentary Secretary paid attention to the fact that flooding in the last two years has caused damage to crops and that the Government has not taken any action to stop this?

Mr Chor Yeok Eng: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, regarding the flooding of certain areas, the Government has all along been paying attention to it. In the meantime, many areas in Singapore: are liable to floods, and it is the desire of the Government to attend to the area that is more seriously affected.