CHANGING OF STREET AND KAMPONG NAMES (Government policy)

Mr Bernard Rodrigues asked the Minister for Finance what is the policy in regard to changes of the names of streets and kampongs, and whether the residents concerned are consulted when any changes of street or kampong names are proposed.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Mr S. Ramaswamy) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, as a rule, names of streets that are existent are generally retained. In the choice of names for new streets and kampongs, the former practice of using colonial and snob names, or names of royalty, has been discontinued. The present practice is to choose names which may relate to the historical background or the physical features of the area, or to use names of local flora or fauna.

It is not the practice specifically to consult the residents of an area, but suggestions received from the public are given consideration.