TAMPINES WOODS ESTATE (Return of residential properties to original owners)

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the Minister for Law whether the Government will return to the original owners the residential properties in Tampines Woods Estate which it acquired in October 1970 for the expansion scheme of the Paya Lebar Airport, now that the scheme has apparently been shelved.

The Minister for Law (Prof. S. Jayakumar): Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is no. This acquisition was done more than 20 years ago. All the owners affected have been awarded compensation. Although the property in question may not be required for the expansion of Paya Lebar Airport, the area is still affected by other redevelopment projects.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: What sort of redevelopment projects are those?

Prof. Jayakumar: Sir, the Ministry of National Development informed me of a comprehensive re-planning of the northern/eastern sector. Because of that, Tampines Woods Estate and the adjoining area to the north are earmarked for industrial development.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: Since the original plan of the acquisition has been scrapped, is it fair for the Government to keep the property and rent it out to private individuals for profit?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the original plan might have been revised. But I have just said that the site is still affected by other redevelopment plans. As far as the tenants are concerned, they were paid compensation which at that time was equivalent to prevailing market rates. These awards ranged from $30,000 to $50,000 each, which at that time were enough for them to purchase alternative accommodation. In fact, only two of the many tenants appealed and the rest accepted the compensation.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: How come the redevelopment plans have taken nearly 20 years to materialise?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, that is a different question which requires elaboration of the redevelopment plans. But the thrust of Dr Lee Siew-Choh's question is whether the land can be returned to the original owners. If we give it back to the original owners, then they will be subject to double acquisition because the land will have to be acquired again.