SINGAPORE - GARDEN CITY (Projects carried out)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) what is the extent of the projects carried out since 1st January, 1968, towards making Singapore a garden city; (b) if he will give details of (i) the areas where trees and plants have been planted; and (ii) the number and location of new gardens developed; and (c) whether there are any plans in hand to construct fountains in every constituency.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, since January 1968 about 13,000 trees have been planted at about 240 roads and sites. These trees, together with those planted last year, bring the number of trees planted as at October 1968 to about 28,000 at about 380 roads and sites. The sites include 21 traffic islands, 20 road circuses and 23 Government buildings.

In the development of the "floral mile" along Bukit Timah Road, ten nurseries and a drive-in restaurant have been constructed. Nine of the nurseries and the restaurant block have already been let.

The floodlighting of King George V Park has been completed at a cost of about $26,880. Lighting is also being provided at several children's play grounds, e.g., the Hindoo Road children's playground, the Kampong Wak Tanjong children's playground and the children's playground between Lorongs 38 and 40. Floodlights have been provided in the Botanic Gardens which are now open to the public nightly till 10 p.m.

The first phase of the development of Tiong Bahru Regional Park with an area of about seven acres has been completed. This involved landscaping and the planting of trees and shrubs. The second phase which includes the provision of lighting, benches and other facilities will be completed soon.

Public amenities have also been provided at Mount Washington and the site has been landscaped and trees and shrubs planted.

There are no plans to construct fountains in every constituency.