DEVELOPMENT OF LORONG KUNDANG AREA (Hawker licences for affected residents)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development what plans he has to develop the Lorong Kundang area and whether he will consider issuing hawker licences to those affected residents who apply for them.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Lorong Kundang area which is largely occupied by temporary dwellings will be cleared over the next five years in connection with the cleaning up of the Kallang River Catchment. Plans for the redevelopment of this area are now being worked out.

Under the present policy, hawker stalls will be offered to small-time traders affected by Government's clearance schemes, or to licensed street hawkers affected by development. Ordinary residents affected by development schemes will not be offered hawker stalls. However, where hawker stalls are available for allocation, consideration will be given to hardship cases, such as those who are in receipt of public assistance, or physically handicapped, or unemployed and above 40 years of age.