RECONSTRUCTION OF TEMPORARY DWELLING STRUCTURES (Policy on submission of plans)

Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Law and National Development what is the policy of the Chief Building Surveyor's Department in regard to the submission of plans for the reconstruction of temporary dwelling structures in Alsagoff Estate.

Mr Barker: The policy of the Chief Building Surveyor's Department with regard to the submission of plans for the reconstruction of temporary dwelling structures in Alsagoff Estate is the same as that for all other areas in the Republic. Applications for reconstruction of temporary dwelling structures are required to be submitted with the following documents:

(1) the sketch plan for the proposed structure;

(2) a temporary permit licence issued by the Chief Building Surveyor's Department to prove that the existing structure is an authorised one; and

(3) either ground rent receipts and/or property tax receipts to prove ownership of the building.

The construction or reconstruction of temporary structures without the Chief Building Surveyor's permission is an offence under the law. In order to contain the growth of unauthorised structures which finally become slums, the Chief Building Surveyor's Department is continually taking enforcement action against the persons responsible.

Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan): Sir, can the Minister inform the House why some applicants are requested to submit architect's plans and the landowner's signature?

Mr Barker: If the area of the building is over 700 square feet, then you need an architect's plan. If the applicant can satisfy the third requirement which I have referred to - ground rent receipts and/or property tax receipts - to prove ownership of the building as against ownership of the land, then you do not require the landowner's permission. Perhaps in the cases referred to by the hon. Member, the applicants could not produce any documentary evidence of ownership of the building. I say "perhaps", but I would be happy to look into and cause investigations to be made in respect of any particular case of which the hon. Member may come to know.