CANAL ALONG JALAN TOA PAYOH (Cleaning up)

Dr Augustine H.H. Tan asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology whether and when steps will be taken to clean up the heavily-polluted and mosquito-infested canal along Jalan Toa Payoh, especially the stretch adjoining St. Michael's Estate.

Mr Barker: Sir, this canal flows into Sungei Kallang. When the tide is rising, flotsam is carried into the canal from the polluted Sungei Kallang. The canal is polluted but, I understand, not mosquito-infested.

My Ministry is drawing up a programme, as I have said, to clean up Kallang Basin involving the resettlement of squatter areas and rundown parts, resiting of hawkers and farmers and extension of sewerage facilities. All I can say to the Member is that the present efforts to keep the canal clean by desilting and removal of refuse, which as I have stated are palliative measures, will continue to be carried out until the whole Kallang Basin is cleaned up. In fact, my Ministry spends about $3,000 per month on the desilting of this canal.

Dr Augustine Tan: Sir, is the Hon. Minister aware of the fact that the stretch of land alongside the canal is very uneven and that, in the event of rain, mosquitoes find a lot of breeding ground? Will the Minister therefore consider landscaping that piece of land?

Mr Barker: Sir, I am not aware of the facts set out by the hon. Member. All I can assure him is that we will not only consider but we will landscape the sides of the canal to his delight.