MALAY SETTLEMENT, SEMBAWANG (Further development)

Tuesday, 31st October, 1967

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Government has a scheme for a Phase II Development of the Malay Settlement in the Sembawang Constituency and when it will be implemented.

Mr E. W. Barker: There are no definite plans for the further development of the Sembawang Malay Settlement.

In addition to the 108 sites already allocated in this Settlement, approximately 92 more house lots can be made available if the area is further developed. The estimated cost of filling, site preparation, drainage and roads in respect of the additional area is, however, around $100,000 i.e. more than $1,000 for each plot. The high cost of development, the limited funds available for social development, the need for most effective utilisation of the limited areas available and the number of applicants on the waiting lists have all contributed to cast doubts as to whether further development in the Settlements along the previous lines of individual house lots is in fact desirable. On balance, it would appear preferable if these areas could be more intensely developed by building flats so as to cater for all the many applicants requiring housing.