FORMER SAF CAMP IN DOVER ROAD/VACANT LAND NEAR BUONA VISTA MRT STATION (Development plan)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Encik Abbas Abu Amin asked the Minister for National Development what is the future development plan for the former Singapore Armed Forces camp area in Dover Road and the vacant land near the Buona Vista Mass Rapid Transit Station.

The Minister for National Development (Mr S. Dhanabalan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of National Development is preparing a plan to guide the long term development of the Ayer Rajah area bounded by Clementi Road, Pasir Panjang Road, the railway line and Alexandra Road. In this plan, we will take advantage of the special assets of the area, ie, the National University of Singapore, Science Park, the greenery and hilly terrain of the area. We will develop the area for medium density housing, business parks and some commercial development. The former Mindef Camp is earmarked for medium density housing and the land next to Buona Vista MRT Station will be zoned for commercial and residential development to take advantage of the proximity to the MRT Station.

Encik Abbas Abu Amin (Pasir Panjang GRC): Sir, the SAF camp has been there for the last two years, unattended, as the Minister said. I would like to know whether it is possible for the Minister to consider expediting whatever development programme that he has so that the residents within the vicinity of the area could have a better environment.

Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Speaker, Sir, we will try and expedite to the extent that it is possible to do such things.