RESETTLEMENT IN CHUA CHU KANG (Assessment notices and compensation)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Tang See Chim asked the Minister for National Development (a) in respect of resettlement cases in the Chua Chu Kang Constituency as at 15th June, 1988, if he will indicate (i) the number of cases in which assessment notices have not been issued, (ii) the number of cases in which assessment notices have been issued but no compensation has yet been paid, and (iii) the number of cases in which "concrete pavement" is listed in the assessment notice as an item for compensation but for which no compensation has yet been paid; (b) what is the reason for the delay in the payment of compensation; and (c) when does he expect payment to be made.

The Minister for National Development (Mr S. Dhanabalan): Mr Speaker, Sir, as at 15th June 1988, there were 1,249 squatters under clearance in Chua Chu Kang Consti- tuency who were being considered for ex-gratia compensation for the improvements made in their farms or residences. The breakdown is as follows: Cases not issued with Assessment Notices 755 Cases already issued with Assessment Notices and part compensation paid 256 Cases already issued with Assessment Notices, but compensation not yet paid 238 ______ 1,249 ______

Out of the total number of 494 cases (ie, 256 + 238) issued with assessment notices, 487 have listed concrete pavement as a compensation item. Of these 487 cases, 274 cases have not been paid compensation for concrete pavement. Compensation for the concrete pavement needs to be verified before payment can be released.

Resettlement Department has detected abuses by squatters claiming for higher resettlement compensation. Squatters had laid concrete pavement extensively and indiscriminately. In order to establish the claims, they have been referred to a Committee chaired by the Auditor-General for the claims to be re-assessed and verified. Payment will be made upon confirmation that there have been no malpractices.

The Committee is also re-assessing cases of extensive claims for fruit tree compensation. Some squatters haveplanted fruit trees so close to one another, it is evident that they are not bona fide fruit tree growers. Their compensation will be recomputed. This exercise of recomputation is expected to be completed in August 1988. Payment will be released in about two weeks after the exercise is completed.

Mr Tang See Chim (Chua Chu Kang): Sir, in respect of part payment, I understand the part payment is the cash grant. Would the Minister not ask the Resettlement Department to pay the balance of the payment,taking out the items in respect of fruit trees which would require further verification?

Mr Dhanabalan: Sir, from my answer on concrete pavement, I think it is obvious that where the item is not under dispute compensation will be paid.