LAND ACQUISITION AT SEMBAWANG (Particulars)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development if the Government has acquired the 59 lots of land at Sembawang; what is the purpose of the acquisition; when development of the land is expected to take place; and how will the people, who are affected by the acquisition, be compensated and resettled.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the 59 lots referred to by the Member for Sembawang were gazetted on 21st May, 1973, for compulsory acquisition for the second phase of the development of Woodlands New Town. Clearance of those affected by the second phase development of this New Town will be undertaken by the Resettlement Department of the Housing and Development Board after the completion of the first phase which is now in progress. The people who are affected by the development and who qualify for rehousing will be re-accommodated in Housing Board flats in Woodlands New Town itself. Those eligible will receive ex gratia payment under the prevailing resettlement policy.