COMMUNITY CENTRE AT PUNGGOL ESTATE

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Culture and Science and Technology whether and when the People's Association proposes to construct a community centre in the Housing and Development Board Punggol Estate which has more than 3,000 units.

The Minister for Culture and Science and Technology (Mr Jek Yeun Thong): Mr Speaker, Sir, as the hon. Member for Punggol is aware, a proposed site of 3,300 square metres in area has been set aside by the Housing and Development Board for the construction of a new community centre to serve the residents in the new HDB estate in Punggol.

The People's Association is now negotiating with the Housing Board with a view to exploring the possibility of the Board building community centres equipped with essential facilities on reserved sites within HDB estates. There will be provision for subsequent extensions to these basic structures, with construction costs to be met by funds raised through community participation. If the new arrangement for provision of community centres can be implemented in the near future, the new centre for Punggol Estate should be ready to serve the residents within the next few years.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Sir, can the hon. Minister for Culture and Science and Technology enlighten this House as to when such negotiations between the Housing and Development Board and the People's Association are expected to be completed so that work can commence as soon as possible?

Mr Jek Yeun Thong: Mr Speaker, Sir, we are negotiating with the Housing and Development Board. As Members know, these negotiations are usually very time consuming. But I am sure the Member will be informed when these negotiations are completed. As soon as they are completed, I can assure the Member that his will be the first community centre to be built.