VACANT LAND AT LORONG 8, TOA PAYOH (Development plans)

Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what are the development plans for the vacant piece of land opposite Block 227, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh.

Dr Tan Eng Liang (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): The vacant land opposite Block 227, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh, is zoned for industrial development. Either terrace factories or other types of industrial buildings will be built on it.

Mr Ivan Baptist: A supplementary question, Sir. Can the fringe of this land, close to the existing SBS depot, be utilised for the planting of large trees which would serve as a barrier to minimise the noise, dust and air pollution generated by the buses? Such pollution is especially evident early every morning. Can the Hon. Senior Minister of State also convince the SBS authorities that they should also plant large trees close to the SBS depot fence, especially the portion facing the Lorong 8 flats, to further assist in alleviating the noise, dust and air pollution?

Dr Tan Eng Liang: My colleague here has told me that the planting of trees, as suggested by the Member, is already included in the plan for consideration.