CANAL ALONG UPPER THOMSON ROAD (Flood alleviation measures)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Law and National Development when work will commence to clear the overgrowth of lallang and weeds on the banks of the canal (which flows into the Kalang River) along Upper Thomson Road in the Thomson Constituency and to deepen the canal to alleviate flooding in the area.

Mr Ho Cheng Choon (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, I assume that the Member for Thomson refers to the stretch of canal near the 6 ½ m.s. Upper Thomson Road. If so, then I am pleased to inform him that the lallang and weeds along the banks have already been cut. To beautify the area, trees along the sides of the canal are also being planted.

To alleviate flooding in the Thomson area, work on a scheme to improve the upper stretch of Sungei Kallang between Braddell Road and Thomson Road at an estimated cost of $360,000 started in 1966 from the Braddell Road end. This scheme, which is expected to be completed in 1969, includes the widening, deepening and re-alignment of Sungei Kallang for about 10,000 feet.

Mr Ang Nam Piau: (In Mandarin): My question concerns the whole canal along Upper Thomson Road and not only at the point of 6 ½ m.s. Can the Parliamentary Secretary inform me whether or not work on this stretch of the canal along Upper Thomson Road has commenced?

Mr Ho Cheng Choon: Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as I know, work on the cutting of lallang and weeds along Upper Thomson Road is now in progress.