RESERVED SITE IN FRONT OF BLOCK 30, MARINE PARADE

Mr Goh Chok Tong asked the Minister for Law and the Environment whether the site reserved for the construction of schools in front of Block 30, Marine Parade, which is fast becoming an obnoxious wasteland, could be levelled for use as a temporary football or open field if the construction of schools is not scheduled to commence within a year.

The Minister for Law and the Environment (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, the planned construction of schools on this reclaimed site is not expected to commence within a year. Action is in hand to convert the site into a temporary playground for children in the neighbourhood. Earthworks and tree planting are expected to commence in about three months' time as soon as tenders are called for and funds are available. This will ensure that the site does not become waste land.

Meanwhile, the Parks and Recreation Department will ensure that the vegetation is under control and the Ministry of the Environment will continue to occasionally spray oil on the site to prevent mosquito breeding.

Mr Ahmad Haleem (Telok Blangah): Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister for Law and the Environment tell me if the same facility can be extended to other school sites in Singapore?

Mr Barker: That depends on the other school sites. Sir. Without proper investigation, I am afraid I would not be able to give a concrete answer to the Member for Telok Blangah. In this particular case, however, there had been negotiations between the Ministry of Education and other offices to decide whether or not to proceed with the construction of schools. Meanwhile, as the hon. Member for Marine Parade has suggested, it is a good idea to turn the site into a playground. On the facts of this case, we can assist. But whether or not we can assist in other cases depends on the circumstances. However we try to be of assistance, wherever possible.