ONE-ROOM FLATS IN JALAN BATU (Conversion)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) how many blocks of one-room flats in Jalan Batu have been earmarked for conversion; (b) what is the present occupancy rate in those flats; (c) have the people affected been offered priority in the allocation of alternative accommodation in other housing estates; and (d) when the conversion exercise is expected to commence and when will it be completed.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, in answer to (a), in Jalan Batu, there are two 12-storey blocks. One consists of 651 units of 1-room flats, 10 units of 2-room flats, and 33 shophouses. The other consists of 651 units of one-room flats, 16 units of 2-room flats, 27 shophouses and one community centre.

(b) The present occupancy rate of the two blocks of flats is 90%. The vacant flats have not been re-let because of the impending conversion.

(c) Families affected by the conversion scheme will be accorded priority in the allocation of alternative accommodation.

(d) Conversion of the two blocks of flats is likely to take place in the next two years.