JUNIOR COLLEGE IN UPPER SERANGOON (Construction)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Education whether the land earmarked for the construction of a junior college in the vicinity of Upper Serangoon Road and Lim Ah Pin Road will be used for some other purposes; and, if not, when construction work will commence.

The Minister of State for Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister.

A junior college will be built at the site in question. The consultant architect for the project has advised that piling work is expected to commence in September this year.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: May I ask the Hon. Minister of State for Education why there has been such a long delay in the construction of a junior college at this site?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the three junior colleges that are being planned for construction beginning sometime this year or early next year were chosen as a result of a competition among architects for the design of junior colleges. In an open competition of that nature, time has to be spent by firms as well as by judges to make sure that the best design is selected.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, must it take two years or so for such a decision to be made?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: All I can say is that the whole process took some time because it involved a lot of parties, including the Singapore Institute of Architects, the PWD and others.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, how long will it take to complete this college?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Going by past records, the construction time of a junior college is about three to four years.