YISHUN NEW TOWN (Sports Centre)

Dr Koh Lip Lin asked the Minister for Community Development whether and when a sports centre will be built in Yishun New Town.

The Minister for Community Development (Mr Wong Kan Seng): A sports centre comprising a Sports Complex (Track and Field) and an Indoor Stadium has been planned for Yishun Neighbourhood VIII.

Tenders for the Sports Complex and Indoor Stadium are expected to be called soon. The facilities are expected to be ready by mid-1990.

Dr Koh Lip Lin (Nee Soon): Sir, can I ask the Minister to urge the relevant authority to try to expedite the completion of the sports complex and stadium because Yishun is now a very large new town with 5% of the total population of Singapore living there and most of them are young people to whom the sports facilities are very important.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, however fast we try to expedite, I think time is needed for planning, for building, construction, inspection and, finally, ensuring that it is fit for use. In any case, I will bear in mind the Member's request and I will ask the authorities to try and expedite.