RESETTLEMENT OF PIG FARMERS IN PUNGGOL (Plans for use of land)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many small-time pig farmers in Punggol have been resettled up to the latest convenient date; (b) what is the acreage of land left vacant; and (c) whether there are any proposals to have such land utilized for agricultural purposes; and, if so, what will be the activities and conditions and whether any expenditure will be incurred.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, since the announcement of the Government's policy in March 1984 in this House to phase out pig farming, 65 small pig farms have been resettled from Punggol. The land left vacant by the resettled pig farms in Punggol is about 22 hectares.

Punggol has been earmarked for HDB housing development. The vacated land in Punggol will therefore be tendered out for short-term non-pollutive agricultural activities, such as vegetable cultivation. The necessary infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water supply are already provided. Hence, any development expenditure will be minimal.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask of the Hon. Minister how long will this vacant land be leased out for other agricultural purposes?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Sir, about three to five years.