POTONG PASIR ESTATE (Soil subsidence)

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for National Development whether he is aware that the soil beneath several blocks of flats at Potong Pasir Estate has subsided and what steps are being taken to rectify the situation.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the soil settlement is confined to the apron slab area surrounding Blocks 113 to 120. It occurs because of differential settlement of earth in the vicinity, resulting in split-level cracks in the apron slabs. This soil settlement does not affect the building structures because the buildings are resting on piled foundations. It does not pose any danger to the buildings or the public. Work to patch up the cracked aprons was carried out at the affected blocks in February this year and was completed last month.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Does your Ministry intend to cover up the sunken soil beneath the ground floor of the building? Because I hear complaints that snakes and other dangerous animals are hiding underneath it.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I said in my answer, work has been carried out to patch up all these sunken slabs. I believe this has sealed up all the cracks. But if subsequently there is further settlement of the soil and more cracks develop, HDB will of course look into the matter and carry out the necessary repair work.

Mr Chiam See Tong: I am not sure whether the Minister of State understands my question. Because there is a gap between the ground floor level and the earth. The earth has sunk down and there is a gap in between. There are still places where animals could still go in and hide there.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: If the Member for Potong Pasir is aware of any of these pests breeding in his constituency, please let us know specifically where they are and we will send the appropriate officials to take a look around. But referring to the cracks in the apron slabs, let me assure him that work to repair this crack has been carried out. And if there is any further need to repair these apron slabs due to future subsidence of the soil, then HDB will do so. And if there are any spots which are likely to be breeding space for these "dangerous animals" in Potong Pasir, then we will look into it and make sure that they do not proliferate.