ASSISTANCE TO RESETTLERS IN HOUSING BOARD ESTATES

Dr Tan Cheng Bock asked the Minister for National Development whether his Ministry will consider setting up a special unit to assist those affected by resettlement to adjust to their new life-style in Housing and Development Board estates and to help those who have lost their only means of livelihood, e.g. farmers, to find new jobs.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Since 1960 more than 100,000 squatters have been resettled and rehoused in HDB flats. Very few cases have found difficulty adjusting to the life-style in HDB estates. Indeed, after a while it is impossible to distinguish between those who have been resettled and those who are not.

As for farmers affected by resettlement, they get a cash grant of $19,500 besides compensation for farm improvements and priority to purchase HDB flats with waiver of initial downpayment. Farmers who wish to go into business are also given priority for HDB shops, industrial workshops, hawker stalls or kiosks. Many farmers have taken advantage of this to find a new means of livelihood. For the very small minority who may face problems, they can always seek assistance from the CCCs, RCs or their MPs. MPs can also write to my Ministry in special cases of difficulty. There is therefore no necessity to set up a special unit to assist resettlement cases.