HDB RELOCATION SCHEME IN DELTA CONSTITUENCY

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the present position of the relocation scheme in Delta Constituency; (b) what is the future development plan for the piece of land vacated by the SIT flats under the relocation scheme; and (c) if the Housing and Development Board will assist the hawkers, especially the cooked food stallholders, at the Alexandra Road Market whose businesses have been seriously and increasingly affected because more and more residents are moving out of the 1-room and SIT flats due to either the upgrading process of the residents or the relocation scheme of the HDB.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, within Delta Constituency, the current relocation programme affects 1,721 HDB flats in 21 blocks. 1,108 flats were tenanted when the relocation exercise commenced. As at 1st March 1988, the HDB had relocated 826 tenants. The remaining 282 tenants are being offered flats. Of these, 98 tenants will be rehoused by December this year whereas the balance of 184 tenants will be rehoused next year.

The vacated land will be redeveloped in two parcels. The HDB has plans to commence construction of 4- and 5-room flats in one of the parcels in the early 1990s. The other parcel is being set aside for further complementary development which can include private sector participation.

The Alexandra Road Market/Hawker Centre is managed by the Ministry of the Environment. I understand that the Ministry is reviewing the long-term policy on markets and cooked food centres, including the future of the Alexandra Road Market.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta): Sir, will the HDB expedite allocation of flats to the remaining families in those blocks where most of the tenants have moved out?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Sir, in blocks where there is already a very high vacancy rate as a result of tenants moving out, HDB will certainly like to expedite relocation and will try wherever possible to find them alternative accommodation, either in rental flats or in purchase flats.