RECLAMATION (Upper East Coast Road)

3.42 p.m.

Order read for Motion standing in the name of the Prime Minister, which reads:

That this Assembly in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Ordinance (Chapter 246) approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and sea-bed containing an area of approximately 48 acres along Upper East Coast Road from the junction of Bedok Road as delineated on the plan which is deposited at the Land Office, Singapore.

The Prime Minister later entered the Chamber.

3.43 p.m.

The Prime Minister: I beg your pardon, Mr Speaker, Sir. I had forgotten that from time to time the House can get on with the business of expedition.

Sir, this motion is being moved because the Housing and Development Board has estimated that it can reclaim approximately 48 acres of the foreshore and sea-bed along Upper East Coast Road, from the junction of Bedok Road to the Fisheries Department.

The Board owns over 220 acres of land in Lot 41, Mukim XXVII, immediately opposite the said foreshore and sea-bed. The intention is to cut approximately 14.4 acres from the hill land and w ith the land to fill the reclaimed foreshore and sea-bed. This reclaimed land would be for open spaces, parks, recreation centres, and residential development, but the detailed use of the reclaimed site could be left open for consideration at a later date in accordance with the Master Plan proposals for the area.

Sir, I think I have deposited with the Clerk of the Assembly a copy of the Plan which is now lying in the Library. Under section 4 of the Foreshore Ordin ance, no reclamation can be made without the sanction of this Assembly. This motion seeks to require authority. The Housing and Development Board will act as agents for the Government and on completion of its reclamation the land will be declared State land to be held in trust for the Board for development as I have enumerated above.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Ordinance (Chapter 246) approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and sea-bed containing an area of approximately 48 acres along Upper East Coast Road from the junction of Bedok Road as delineated on the plan which is deposited at the Land Office, Singapore.