ANG MO KIO TOWN CENTRE (Development of vacant lands)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for National Development what his Ministry plans to do with the vacant lands in Ang Mo Kio Town Centre; and, if his Ministry intends to construct executive flats or commercial buildings there, will he assure the House that adequate car parks will be provided in view of the present shortage of parking lots in Ang Mo Kio New Town.

Mr Lee Yock Suan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the vacant lands at Ang Mo Kio Town Centre are reserved for commercial development. Facilities such as shopping and eating places, banks and cinemas, will be developed depending on the future demand. Sufficient parking lots will also be provided when these vacant lands are developed.

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi: Sir, relating to this question of executive flats, could the Minister study the experience in Neptune Court where the problems of seepage, rusty water tanks, and cracks on the walls, have become a contentious problem between the Ministry of Finance and the flat owners in terms of bearing the cost of such repairs?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think the question is relevant because I said there will be no executive flats in this area.

Mr Speaker: I agree with you, Mr Lee.