TREATMENT PLANT FOR PIG-WASTE

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development what plans there are to build a plant for the treatment of pig-waste with a view to reducing pollution.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, as Singapore does not have vast tracts of arable land to dispose of pig-waste, the only feasible solution to the waste pollution problem is to treat the waste.

The Primary Production Department is working closely with the Ministry of the Environment on a strategy for the treatment of pig-waste. Various methods of waste treatment are being studied to select the most cost-effective option. A treatment plant will be built when the Primary Production Department completes its studies.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would be grateful if the Hon. Minister could indicate to the House as to when the Primary Production Department could come to a decision on the construction of the pig-waste treatment plant?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Sir, at present the Primary Production Department is studying the various options. I cannot give a definite date but I hope it will be in one or two years' time.

Mr Ho See Beng: Sir, from what the Minister has said just now, it appears to me that in the course of time pig-farming will be abolished. If there is going to be no pig-farming, what is the point of building the pig-waste treatment plant?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Sir, what I have said earlier is that Punggol may be redeveloped in 15 to 20 years' time. This means that if we construct a pig-waste plant, this plant will be used for 15 to 20 years.