CONSTRUCTION OF JALAN PASAR SEMBAWANG (Commencement of work)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development when work will commence on the construction of Jalan Pasar Sembawang, approved by the Urban and Rural Services Committee on 8th July, 1967.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, I take it that the hon. Member is referring to that portion of Jalan Pasar Sembawang near the market opposite Chong Pang Road. A proposal to make up this portion of the road to kampong road standard at a cost of $4,000 to be paid by the Government was not supported by the Urban and Rural Services Committee when it met on 19th July, 1967. Instead, the U.R.S.C, recommended that the Director of the Public Works Department should consider making up this portion of the road under section 19 of the Local Government Integration Ordinance and charge the cost to the frontagers. The Projects Committee at its meeting of 7th August, 1967, accepted and approved the recommendation of the U.R.S.C, and duly notified the Director of the Public Works Department of this decision. Investigation by the P.W.D, showed that there are shophouses along both sides of this portion of the road which has a width varying from 25 feet to 33 feet. This width is less than the minimum of 36 feet required for any street when it is made up under section 19. As the road can only be widened if some of the existing structures are demolished, notices under section 19 have not been issued. However, it is intended to repair the road under section 22 of the Local Government Integration Ordinance. But the P.W.D, has a long waiting list of private streets to be so repaired, and Jalan Pasar Sembawang will have to wait its turn. It is expected that work can be carried out towards the end of the year.

Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang): (In Mandarin): According to the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, the work was approved by the Projects Committee on 7th August, 1967, and then the Public Works Department was notified. When did the Public Works Department notify the Projects Committee that this road could not be repaired under section 19?

Mr Ho Cheng Choon: Mr Speaker, Sir, as soon as the Director of the Public Works Department was informed of the decision of the Projects Com mittee, a further investigation was carried out. I cannot tell the hon. Member the exact date the P.W.D. informed us.

Mr Teong Eng Siong: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, according to my knowledge, this incident happened only recently. A period of six months' notice was given. I am afraid the administration is lacking in efficiency.