LINK ROAD BETWEEN SERANGOON GARDEN ESTATE AND BRADDELL ROAD

Mr Leong Keng Seng asked the Minister for National Development (a) when will the link road between Serangoon Garden Estate and Braddell Road be completed; (b) how many squatters will be affected by the con struction of this road; and (c) what are the terms of compensation given to such squatters.

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

(a) The link road is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Earth works and drainage works on a section of this link road are nearly completed, and the actual carriageway construction is expected to commence soon.

(b) 144 families are affected by the construction of the road. Of these, 76 have either been resettled or have found their own accommodation. For the remaining families, suitable arrangements are being made to resettle them.

(c) The terms of compensation for these settlers are in accordance with the rates fixed on the recommendations of the Land Clearance and Resettlement Working Party in 1955 and amended from time to time. The latest amended copy will be circularised for the information of Members of the House.

Mr Leong Keng Seng (Serangoon Gardens): (In Mandarin): May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether the settlers are happy about the rates of compensation?

Mr Chor Yeok Eng: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, if there is general dissatisfaction with the rates, then they should not be accepted by the majority of these settlers. As I have said just now, we are from time to time amending the regulations regarding compensation.

Mr Ong Chang Sam: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Parliamentary Secretary know that these rates of compensation are in accordance with the 1957 rates? And may I ask the Government when will these rates be revised?

Mr Chor Yeok Eng: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, the revision of these rates is now receiving our attention. The regulations are being amended, and I have already said that we will circularise the amended version for the information of the Members of the House.