RESETTLEMENT OF SHOPKEEPERS IN SEMBAWANG (Particulars)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) how many units of shophouses in Sembawang are affected by road-widening; (b) whether the shop owners who are affected will be given alternative shop premises; and (c) in order to assist the affected shop owners to overcome their resettlement problems, if they will be granted concessionary rates of rentals for their new premises.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Tan Eng Liang) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, there are 105 shop cases in 91 units of shophouses affected by the proposed widening of Sembawang Road - Stage III from Jalan Sembawang Kechil to Admiralty Road).

Shopkeepers affected by the clearance will be offered alternative premises in accordance with the present resettlement policy.

Resettled shopkeepers who are Singapore citizens and not sharing premises are entitled to rental concession spread over a period of five years. They pay 50% of the rental in the first year. This is increased by 10% each year and it is only in the sixth year that they will pay the full rent.