CHENG SAN ROAD (Metalling)

Mr R. A. Gonzales asked the Minister for Law and National Development, in view of the heavy traffic along Cheng San Road which connects Serangoon Gardens Estate with Sembawang Hill Estate, whether and what steps are being taken to metal this road.

Mr Ho Cheng Choon (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is proposed to include the making up of Cheng San Road in the next Five-Year Development Plan. However, I have to point out that there are other roads which need more urgent attention and, therefore, since funds are limited, the making up of this road is likely to be given low priority.

Mr Gonzales (Serangoon Gardens): Sir, can the Minister tell us whether Cheng San Road will be maintained regularly and not periodically and only when funds are available?

Mr Ho Cheng Choon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the present Cheng San Road is an agricultural road and is maintained periodically by either the Public Works Department or the Work Brigade whenever requested by the Urban and Rural Services Committee. There is no immediate scheme to metal and pave this road at the moment.

3.06 p.m.