RECLAMATION (PULAU AYER CHAWAN)

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the second motion standing in my name as it appears on the Order Paper and which reads:

'That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Ordinance (Chapter 246), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pulau Ayer Chawan containing an area of approximately 332 acres as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/68" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.'

Sir, in March this year the Government acquired under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1965, the only two pieces of private land at Pulau Ayer Chawan, thus bringing the whole island under state ownership so as to facilitate comprehensive development for industrial purposes.

The Jurong Town Corporation, which has now taken over the industrial development functions of the Economic Development Board, has recently completed negotiations with Esso (Singapore) Private Limited to lease the island to the company for the development of a $200 million oil refinery. This development necessitates the reclamation of certain areas in the island.

Although the area of Pulau Ayer Chawan is about 511 acres, only 179 acres are above the high-water mark. The remaining 332 acres are technically foreshore requiring to be reclaimed by filling. The 332 acres of foreshore and sea-bed at Pulau Ayer Chawan which are to be reclaimed are shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "Land Office Reclamation Plan No. 1/68", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of hon. Members.

The reclamation is to be done in two phases. The initial works will cover an area of 141 acres as indicated by the line of black crosses on the said plan. The company will undertake, at its own expense, the work of reclamation as agents for the Government. The whole island, including the reclaimed foreshore, will subsequently be alienated to the Jurong Town Corporation on a 99-year lease allowing the Corporation to sub-lease the land to Esso (Singapore) Private Limited. The company also requires the exclusive use of the foreshore shown coloured green on the said plan for siting its wharves and jetties, and it is proposed to issue foreshore leases to the Jurong Town Corporation to cover these areas.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Ordinance (Chapter 246), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pulau Ayer Chawan containing an area of approximately 332 acres as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/68" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.