KAMPONG KEMBANGAN (Vacant possession compensation)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Law and the Environment the total number of families in the Kampong Kembangan Constituency whose premises have been acquired by Government to make way for the Paya Lebar Pan Island Expressway and the extension of Sims Avenue and how many of those families have been awarded "Vacant Possession'' compensation.

Mr Barker: Sir, acquisition of land for the Pan Island Expressway Stage I (from Jalan Eunos to Lorong Chin Chin) affects 272 families in Kampong Kembangan. The extension of Sims Avenue (from Jalan Eunos to Changi Road 6 milestone) affects 235 families.

Compensation is paid only to owners but not tenants or statutory tenants. Under the resettlement policy those who are citizens, and qualify, can obtain housing. "Vacant possession" compensation had been awarded to 55 owners.

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi: Sir, a few of my constituents whose premises have been acquired by Government and who have been awarded vacant possession compensation have their compensation reduced because of what is known as "betterment value". I have seen the officials of the Ministry for Law and they have been extremely helpful. But my constituents still do not understand why their compensation must be reduced by 1 5% and the Ministry has agreed to reduce by 5% after having considered their appeals. May I know why 5%? Why not 2%, or 1%? Why the reduction at all?

Mr Barker: Sir, that question should be directed at the assessors. The Member did make representations in three of 26 cases where owners, who originally claimed vacant possession compensation, subsequently requested for the purchase of HDB flats. Consequent on these representations, acquisition awards were adjusted in three cases. In one case, the original vacant possession award was $26,000, the adjusted increase went up to about $29,000; and $10,000 was subtracted for the purchase of two Housing and Development Board flats. In another case, the award was $56,500, that went up to about $60,000 and $5,000 for the purchase of one flat left behind a balance of $54,850. In the last case, the original vacant possession award was $85,000. This was subsequently adjusted to $99,000. $12,000 had to be put aside for the purchase of two HDB fIats and the rent of two HDB flats, leaving a balance of $87,000. Offers on the above basis have been made to the respective owners who have, however, yet to indicate acceptance.

As to why it should be 5% and not 2% or 1%, I do not know. Surely that question should be directed at the assessors in the Land Office. But the Member may be interested to know that of the 144 owners affected by these acquisitions. 19 lodged appeals with the Appeals Board. 15 of these appeals have been withdrawn, consequent on adjustments in the awards. Since acquisition proceedings involve legal rights with appeals to the Appeals Board, it is best that representations on these matters be made either by the owners' solicitors or by the owners in person, or through their Member of Parliament, to the particular Collector of Land Revenue responsible for assessing and making awards under these acquisition proceedings. There are four Collectors of Land Revenue in the Land Office handling these acquisitions.