HOU GANG NEW TOWN (Particulars)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development if he will elaborate on the development of Hou Gang New Town; amongst the shopping and other amenities, how many flats will be built; what is the expected population; when the New Town will be completed: and how many constituencies will be involved.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan): Mr Speaker, Sir, Hou Gang New Town falls within the constituencies of Paya Lebar and Punggol. When completely developed in 1986-87, it will have a population of 130,000 people housed in 26,000 units of flats. These include 3,000 existing flats in Punggol Estate which will form part of the New Town.

Hou Gang New Town will be divided into four neighbourhoods, each with its own neighbourhood centre. In addition, a sports complex, schools and other amenities will be provided.

Approximately 4,700 dwelling units, 140 shops and eating houses and a market-cum-cooked food centre are presently under construction.

Mr C.V. Devan Nair (Anson): Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that for Singaporeans who do not understand Hanyu Pinyin, the name of the new town which reads "Hou Gang New Town" could mislead some Singaporeans into believing that it is a new town of gangsters headed by our Hon. Minister of Defence who is also called "Howe".