HOLLAND ROAD MARKET

Mr Chow Chiok Hock asked the Minister for Health whether and when a new market will be constructed at the 5th mile area in Holland Road; or alternatively the present market be renovated to serve the needs of the hawkers and residents in the area.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, the present market at Holland Road of 43 stalls is considered adequate for the needs of the hawkers and residents in this vicinity at the present time. As a result of recent re-siting of 76 hawkers outside the market, some market stalls have been taken up. However, there are still 4 market stalls and 18 open pitches which are vacant. There is, therefore, no immediate need to build a new market. The question of renovation and improvements to the present Holland Road Market could be looked into when the need arises. There is no scheme for a new market to be built at Holland Road in the Government's Second Five-Year Development Plan.