RECLAMATION (BEDOK/TANAH MERAH BESAR)

5.00 p.m.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in my name,

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 containing an area of approximately 1,306 acres from Bedok to Tanah Merah Besar as delineated on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN 1/70" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.

This is the fourth phase of the scheme for the reclamation of the foreshore and sea-bed along the east coast of our Republic.

The third phase of the reclamation scheme, which was approved by this House in 1967, was originally envisaged to cover an area of 306 acres from the Singapore Swimming Club right up to the end of Tanjong Rhu and from Nicoll Highway to Elizabeth Walk. This area has now been amended to cover 289.5 acres only - 125 acres from the Singapore Swimming Club to the end of Tanjong Rhu, which is expected to be completed in October this year, and 164.5 acres from Nicoll Highway to Elizabeth Walk, the contract for which has already been awarded and the reclamation of which is expected to be completed in early 1971.

The Government now proposes to reclaim a further 1,306 acres of the foreshore and sea-bed from Bedok to Tanah Merah Besar. A copy of this reclamation plan is deposited in the Library of this House for the information of Members.

Sir, this phase of the reclamation, which will also be undertaken by the Housing and Development Board as agent of the Government, is estimated to cost $35 million. Some 405 acres of land at Upper Changi Road are being acquired to provide fill for this reclamation. Work on the reclamation, which is expected to take four years to complete, will begin in early 1971.

No firm decision has been made on the proposed utilisation of the reclaimed land. This will, however, be made by the planners, in conjunction with other authorities, at a later stage.

Mr Speaker, 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 containing an area of approximately 1,306 acres from Bedok to Tanah Merah Besar as delineated on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN 1/70" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.

Mr Speaker: Order. I propose to take the suspension now. I will take the Chair again at 5.35 p.m.

Sitting accordingly suspended at 5.04 p.m, until 5.35 p.m. Sitting resumed at 5.35 p.m.