UPPER PAYA LEBAR ROAD WIDENING PROJECT (Compensation and resettlement of residents)

Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) how many residents along Upper Paya Lebar Road are affected by the widening of the road; (b) whether any compensation has been paid to those residents; and (c) what plans have been made to resettle them.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law and National Development (National Development Division) (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, my answer is:

(a) A total of 301 squatters are affected by the Upper Paya Lebar Road widening project extending from Upper Serangoon Road to Airport Road;

(b) Of this number, 129 cases have been settled so far and a total of $35,672 has been paid to those affected. Action is still being taken to deal with the remaining 172 cases;

(c) The Housing and Development Board will provide alternative accommodation in its housing estates for those affected unless they elect to find their own accommodation.