RECLAMATION AT SENTOSA ISLAND

The Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (Mr E.W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the Motion* standing in my name as it appears on the Order Paper.

*The motion reads as follows:

That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portion of the foreshore and seabed at Sentosa Island containing a total area of about 17.0 hectures as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.

Sir, on 30th November, 1973, this House approved the dredging and reclamation of about 11 hectares (27 acres) of the fore-shore off Sentosa Island for the creation of a swimming lagoon and construction of some foreshore structures (temporary bridges) as well as the reclamation of about 3 hectares (7 acres) of the Kuchin Creek Estuary by the Port of Singapore Authority as agents of the Sentosa Development Corporation. The reclamation off Sentosa Island for the swimming lagoon and the construction of tem- porary bridges have been completed. The reclamation of Kuchin Creek Estuary was, however, shelved temporarily since 1st June 1976 by the Corporation, as the Corporation had second thoughts on the profile of the reclamation. The Corporation now proposes to proceed with an enlarged reclamation scheme of about 17 hectares (42 acres) covering the foreshore at Kuchin Creek Estuary as well as the reef between Sarong Island and the Main Jetty as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/77". A copy of this plan is displayed in the library of this House for the information of Members.

The area proposed for reclamation is an eyesore at low tide when muddy flats, mangrove swamps and flotsam are exposed. The reclamation will join up Pulau Selegu and Sarong Island with Sentosa Island which will not only improve the visual impact on visitors, but will also create more land for future development.

The Port of Singapore Authority, as agents of the Corporation, will undertake the reclamation works which are expected to be completed in about 14 months' time at an estimated cost of about $7 million. Fill for the reclamation will be obtained from the Public Utilities Board Reservoir project at Ulu Pandan and the Port of Singapore Authority's Inland Container Depot site at - Holland Road/Bukit Timah Road junction.

On completion of the reclamation, the land will be proclaimed as State land and alienated to the Sentosa Development Corporation on terms and conditions to be agreed with the Commissioner of Lands. Suitable landscaping, including the planting of coconut trees along the fringe of the reclaimed land to preserve the image of a tropical island, will also be undertaken.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed at Sentosa Island containing a total area of about l7.0 hectares as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/77" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.