SWIMMING POOL IN RURAL CENTRAL DISTRICT

Friday, 26th March, 1971

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Social Affairs if his Ministry has any plans for the construction of a swimming pool in a centrally located area for the use of school children studying in the Rural Central District comprising Sembawang. Nee Soon, Thomson, Jalan Kayu, Serangoon Gardens, Paya Lebar, Upper Serangoon and Punggol areas, and, if so, when the pool will be constructed.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: The reply to your question above is as follows:

I appreciate the concern of the Member on the lack of swimming pools in the outlying areas in general and especially in the rural central districts, comprising the areas mentioned by him.

However, swimming pools and recreational facilities are expensive propositions and there must be a proven demand and full utilisation of them to justify construction of new facilities.

In view of the takeover of sports facilities, including swimming pools from the British Services on their withdrawal and until such time as their future usage can be determined, it is not desirable to consider provision of new swimming pools and recreational areas. It is, however, hoped that some of the pools at Changi, and the Naval Base could be made available for public use, including school children in the rural districts.