RURAL AREAS (Applications for free water supply)

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) what are the procedures in respect of an application for free water supply to rural areas, where water-mains are not available, during a drought; and (b) how long it will take for such an application to be considered.

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, all requests for the supply of drinking water can be made orally or in writing to the Chairman, Secretary, or District Secretaries of the Urban and Rural Services Committee. Such requests are attended to immediately, and water is supplied as soon as the number of households requiring water is ascertained.

Mr Ho Kah Leong (Jurong): Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary inform the House which department is responsible for ascertaining the number of households?

Mr Ho Cheng Choon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Water Department of the Public Utilities Board has been requested to ascertain the number of households.