MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Construction Sector

Oil crisis, inflation and economic recession adversely affected the construction industries. A two-pronged effort to counter this recessive trend is underway. Public works are being stepped up and measures are being implemented to stimulate private sector construction.

Public Housing

The HDB completed a record of 26.000 units in 1974. One million Singaporeans (45% of the population) are now living in HDB estates. There is, however, a waiting list of 80,000 intending purchasers and 20,000 applicants to rent HDB flats. The HDB's building programme will be further accelerated towards completing 30,000 units, and eventually 40,000 units per year. This year, new designs for 3 and 4-room flats (which are 10% larger) will be introduced.

Middle income Housing

For our middle income citizens, ineligible for public housing and unable to afford the high prices of private dwellings, the Ministry, through its Housing and Urban Development Company, will build condominium housing for sale at prices within their reach. Some 4,200 housing units in nine residential areas will be constructed within the next two years. This programme will continue so long as demand continues.

Urban Renewal

The Urban Redevelopment Authority was established on 1st April, 1974 to improve, through comprehensive planning and systematic redevelopment, the living and working environment in the central area. The 4th Sale of Sites was launched in April 1974 and a 5th Sale of Sites will take place this year to generate more private sector development.

Building Managetment

The Ministry has set up a Building Management Unit under the Buildings and Common Property (Maintenance and Management) Act to ensure that all common areas and services of buildings such as corridors, car parks, fencing, lifts, etc. are properly maintained. In cases of default, the Unit will carry out all necessary maintenance work and charge the costs to the owner(s) who may be private individuals, corporations, Statutory Boards or institutions.

Reclamation

Reclamation work along the east coast and west coast continues. The latest Marina Centre reclamation project which will create a large lagoon and sizeable areas for open space and recreation will also enable the construction of a highway linking Changi in the east to Jurong in the west, thus casing traffic congestion in the city centre. Parks and Recreation

A major park and beach recreation area - The East Coast Park - being developed on 500 acres of reclaimed land from Bedok to Tanjong Rhu, will have cycle tracks, footpaths, a swimming lagoon, sports facilities, camping sites, holiday chalets and food centres. On completion, in mid-'76, it will be the largest centre of recreation in Singapore.

Public Works

The building programme for schools, hospitals, airports, roads and other public work projects will be accelerated. Amongst major road works are the new coastal expressway along the Marina Centre, the remaining stretches of the Pan Island Expressway. There is a five-year road development programme to ease traffic congestion in the central area. The Orchard Road pedestrian mall will be extended towards the Botanic Gardens in the north and Stamford Canal in the south. Fifteen fringe car parks will be completed for the Park and Ride Scheme to be implemented by the middle of this year. A central cornputerised traffic control system to promote a smoother flow of traffic and ease congestion will be implemented. Tenders will be called in April.

Primary Production

Singapore continues to be self-sufficient in fresh pork, eggs and poultry meats in spite of occasional shortages and high prices of imported raw materials. Local production acted as a stabilising influence on prices of foodstuffs. In conjunction with water resources development, pig farms will he relocated into non-catchment areas. Work is in hand to resettle pig farms from Kranji to Ponggol.

Manpower

In co-operation with the University of Singapore, a part-time training course for architects will commence in April. Other training programmes to train and upgrade skills for the building industries, are also being planned.