RECLAMATION PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Law and National Development to what extent reclamatory works along the East Coast and at Pasir Panjang, Kallang and Kranji have been completed; what plans there are to reclaim land in other areas in Singapore; and, if he will make a statement on plans to develop the land already reclaimed and to be reclaimed.

Mr Barker: Sir, the question requires information in respect of several reclamation projects and I will take them in turn.

First, the East Coast foreshore. The biggest reclamation project at present is proceeding along the East Coast foreshore in two phases: the first reclama tion of about 1,000 acres of foreshores extending from Bedok to the Singapore Swimming Club, and the second reclamation of about 125 acres from the Singapore Swimming Club to the tip of Tanjong Rhu. By the end of October last, 705 acres of land had been reclaimed. It is expected that both phases will be completed by early 1970. Comprehensive plans for the utilisation of the reclaimed land along the East Coast are now being prepared. A new coastal highway will first be constructed to meet the increasing needs of the East Coast area. In addition, land will be set aside for housing, parks, hotels and shops. It is likely that another 200 acres of land along Nicoll Highway will be reclaimed at a later stage to provide better open spaces and recreational facilities for the people in the central areas of the city.

Another major reclamation project now in progress and nearing completion is the Kallang Basin Reclamation. Out of the 450 acres of swamp land in Kallang Basin, 370 acres had been reclaimed by the end of October last. The remaining 80 acres will be reclaimed in the next two years. Two-thirds of the reclaimed land in the Kallang Basin will be used for labour intensive industries and one-third for low-cost public housing. Two blocks of flatted factories have been constructed and already occupied, and more blocks are now under construction. About 3,550 units of housing have been completed and occupied and another 12,000 units are expected to be built within the next five years.

The Pasir Panjang reclamation. Early this year, a pilot scheme to reclaim the West Coast foreshores at Pasir Panjang began. By September, the scheme was completed and ten acres of land near the 6th mile were reclaimed. This piece of land will be used for the development of tourist recreational facilities. Detailed investigations into the feasibility of reclaiming more land along the West Coast are being conducted at present.

The Kranji reclamation. A total of 247 acres of swamp land was earmarked for reclamation out of which 160 acres have already been reclaimed. This area is to be developed for sawmills and related industries.

Lastly, other reclamation projects which are being planned or undertaken include the following:

(a) 1,000 acres of swamp and foreshore at the east bank of Jurong for marine, woodworking and other industries;

(b) 307 acres of prawn-ponds and swamp at Sungei Kadut for woodworking and other industries;

(c) 108 acres of swamp close to the Armament Depot in the Naval Base for marine and other industries;

(d) extension of the East Coast Reclamation from Bedok towards Changi; and

(e) extension of the West Coast Reclamation towards the city to provide an area for the construction of godowns.

Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong): Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister for Law and National Development entertain submissions on the utilisation of reclaimed land from members of the public who may be deemed to have the necessary technical expertise to comment on such matters?

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, the Ministry would not only welcome but would appreciate suggestions from members of the public as to how we should use this land.

Mr Yeoh Ghim Seng (Joo Chiat): Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister tell the House what steps have been taken to allow the free flow of water from the two large drains in the Joo Chiat area to the sea during and after the reclamation of the foreshore of Joo Chiat?

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, these are specific problems which we have had to meet because of the reclamation. I have also received complaints from other constituencies. For example, one was from Siglap. Reclamation of the sea must lead to blockage of some drains and outlets leading to the sea. Follow ing complaints by the Member for Siglap, the position in Siglap was remedied. Now that the Member for Joo Chiat has complained in the House, I assure him that I will look into the matter and try to improve the drainage system in Joo Chiat.