ALEXANDRA ROAD, LORONG SARHAD AND ALEXANDRA TERRACE (Resettlement and redevelopment)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Encik Abbas Abu Amin asked the Minister for National Development whether the resettlement programme for Alexandra Road, Lorong Sarhad and Alexandra Terrace will be completed by the end of 1988 and what plans there are for the redevelopment of these areas.

The Minister of State for National Development (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

The squatter areas at Alexandra Road, Lorong Sarhad and Alexandra Terrace are on private land and are therefore not affected by any public resettlement plans. However, notices have been served on several lots to clear by the end of 1988 under our Remnant Squatter Clearance Programme. Under this programme, owners of remnant pockets of squattered land are required to clear unsightly structures so as to improve the environment.

The squattered areas in Pasir Panjang fall within a larger planning area that includes the National University, Polytechnic, Science Park and Kent Ridge Park. The planners are considering development plans for this area which will ensure that existing amenities and assets are preserved and enhanced.

Encik Abbas Abu Amin (Pasir Panjang): Sir, I would like to get assistance from the Ministry to expedite the resettlement of some squatters in Alexandra Terrace, as I understand this area is now flooded with quite a number of non-Singaporeans who cause problems to our local residents.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Sir, since the squatters are on private land and they are not affected by public resettlement schemes, it would be very difficult for my Ministry to intervene in the clearance process by the owners of this land.

Encik Abbas Abu Amin: Sir, perhaps the Ministry could assist in informing the owners to expedite the resettlement problem.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Certainly, Sir. My Ministry will inform the owners that they have to clear the land, as I said in my main answer, by the end of 1988.