FLOODING IN POTONG PASIR AND TOA PAYOH (Preventive action against sawmill)

Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) whether he is aware of the feeling of the people around Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh that flooding in the area can be reduced if action is taken against a sawmill to prevent it dumping sawdust into the canal along Serangoon Road near the Fire Station; (b) what action has been taken so far in this connection and the results; and (c) what further action will be taken.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry is aware of, and has kept under surveillance, the operations of the sawmill referred to by the Member for Aljunied. It considers that these operations have in no way influenced or contributed towards the flooding of the Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh areas. These areas are susceptible to floods as they are low-lying. In some parts south of the sawmill there are swamps which are subject to tidal influences. These factors and the recent heavy continuous rains have contributed to the floods in Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh.

Government has expended over the last four years $325,000 for drainage and flood alleviation works in the Kallang River area. The swamps are being filled up, and in the development scheme affecting the basin, work is continuing on the dredging, widening and diversion of the Kallang River south of Serangoon Road. Provision for another $300,000 will be made to continue these improvements. The sawmill site is affected by these improvement works. In consequence, the land on which it is located was compulsorily acquired and possession taken in September 1967. The sawmill has since been under notice to vacate the site. When the dredging, widening and diversion of the Kallang River is completed, the incidence of flooding will he considerably reduced.