PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HOUGANG NEW TOWN (Construction)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education where the first primary school in Hougang New Town will be built; when it will be ready; and what facilities will be provided.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education (Mr Ho Kah Leong) (for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, Hougang New Town will have two primary schools completed in August 1984. They will be located at Lorong Low Koon, near Avenue 5, and at Avenue 1 respectively.

These schools are of the 1980 standard and will have the facilities mentioned in the reply to the Member for Telok Blangah.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Sir, may I know from the Parliamentary Secretary what is the cost of this primary school?

Mr Ho Kah Leong: Sir, the actual cost of these two schools is not available at this moment, as the piling tender has just been awarded. However, based on past records, the cost of works and building, equipment, and furniture for a 1980 standard primary school is around $7 million.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, if that is the case, would the Parliamentary Secretary confirm that, come August 1984, these two primary schools will be ready, since he has just pointed out that piling tender has just been awarded.

Mr Ho Kah Leong: Sir, we shall try to ask the PWD to meet the target date.