TELOK BLANGAH TOWN COUNCIL

Dr Koh Lam Son asked the Minister for National Development whether a Town Council is likely to be implemented in Telok Blangah and, if so, when.

Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Speaker, Sir, it is the Government's objective to vest authority in Town Councils for the management of HDB estates. This will enable residents to participate in the management of their estates and accord them the authority and responsibility in deciding the allocation of resources and the level of services that they want.

The pilot Town Council project was implemented in Ang Mo Kio New Town in September 1986 for an initial period of six months. The pilot scheme has been extended for another six months from March 1987.

It is the Government's intention to implement the Town Council concept to more constituencies. The Government is now working on the legislation for the formation of Town Councils. When the legislation is passed, more constituencies will be grouped to form Town Councils.

Dr Koh Lam Son: Sir, the Minister has not answered the question which I have put to him. In view of what he knows so far, would he say that there is a likelihood of Telok Blangah being included in the Town Council scheme?

Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Speaker, Sir, in a general sense, yes, but I cannot say when. Ultimately, it is the intention, as I said, to bring all constituencies into Town Councils. But we have not yet drawn up the programme to enable me to give a specific answer as to when Telok Blangah will be brought under the Town Council scheme.

Dr Koh Lam Son: If he does say yes, will he have it with the consent of the Member of Parliament in that constituency?

Mr Dhanabalan: The Member of Parliament, as other Members of Parliament, will have an opportunity to have his say when the legislation is debated.