LAND RECLAMATION AT PUNGGOL (Progress)

11.28 am

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law what progress has been made with regard to the land reclamation at the north-eastern and north-western parts of Punggol and what is the land area reclaimed so far.

The Minister for Law (Mr E.W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, reclamation of a total of about 962 hectares of the foreshore and sea-bed off the north-eastern coast of the Island was approved by this House in March 1983 (about 277 hectares) and in October 1984 (about 685 hectares). These reclamation projects are currently being undertaken by the Housing and Development Board in several phases.

Of the 962 hectares, 500 hectares cover the area at the north-eastern part of Punggol Road and the remaining 462 hectares in the north-western part. At the north-eastern part, the Housing and Development Board has, to date, reclaimed some 181 hectares, leaving the remaining 319 hectares to be reclaimed only towards January 1990.

At the north-western part of Punggol Road, reclamation works have not yet been carried out. However, tenders for the reclamation of about 315 hectares (east of Sungei Punggol) have been awarded and work is expected to commence in April 1986. The remaining 147 hectares will be reclaimed sometime in 1987.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, can I ask of the Hon. Minister what would be the optimal utilization of the land finally reclaimed?

Mr Barker: Sir, I understand from my colleague, the Minister for National Development, that the Housing and Development Board is undertaking these projects to create additional land for future housing. Part of the reclaimed land will also be used for refuse dumping, industrial and recreational purposes. The land proposed to be reclaimed north-west of Punggol is intended for the future Seletar/Jalan Kayu New Town, while the land north-east of Punggol is proposed for the Punggol New Town and for other uses.

Should any further detailed supplementary questions relating to this matter be raised, I would suggest the Member pose these questions to the Minister in charge.