PUNGGOL NEW TOWN (Building of)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development whether and when a New Town will be built in the Punggol Constituency.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Mr Lee Yiok Seng)(for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

(In Mandarin): This is a question relating to the development in Punggol. The HDB plans to build a New Town in Punggol. However, the development of this New Town is not expected to take place until after 1995.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: ( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary whether he can tell the House the size of the land earmarked for the development of the future New Town in Punggol. Also what is the number of flats to be built, and how many residents can be accommodated in this New Town?

Mr Lee Yiok Seng: ( In Mandarin): About 45,000 flats will be built in this new town, and about 180,000 residents can be expected to be accommodated there.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta): ( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, a supplementary question. I would like to ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary whether this New Town will be a new Punggol Constituency or a new Kankar Constituency?

Mr Lee Yiok Seng: ( In Mandarin): In such matters, the HDB usually will respect the views of the grassroots leaders and the MPs concerned. When the time comes for the naming of a new town or constituency, Members of Parliament concerned can get in touch with the relevant authorities for consultation to help arrive at a proper name to be given to it.