HDB'S RELOCATION PROGRAMME IN TIONG BAHRU GRC

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for National Development whether the subsequent phases of the Housing and Development Board's relocation programme in Tiong Bahru GRC will be undertaken, and, if so, when.

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

The Housing and Development Board plans to implement the next phase, Phase IB, of the Relocation Programme over three years from 1990 to 1992. A total of 256 blocks of rental flats have been included under Phase IB. Eight blocks of rental flats in Tiong Bahru GRC will be affected by the Relocation Programme in 1991. HDB has not decided on the subsequent phases of the Relocation Programme.

Dr S. Vasoo (Tiong Bahru GRC): Sir, what steps will be taken to minimize dislocation to the lives of particularly old people who are living in these flats?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, under the Relocation Programme, affected tenants will be granted priority allocation of either rental flats or purchase flats. This will minimize any inconvenience to the affected tenants of these rental flats because they would be able to find alternative accommodation as close as possible to their original residence. In the case of those who want to buy flats, they will also get priority when flats are available in the nearby area.