LAND PARCEL LOT 86-8 MK XXX (Development plans)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for National Development whether his Ministry has any development plans for Land Parcel Lot 86-8 Mk xxx and, if so, when the development will commence.

The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Lim Hng Kiang) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, for the benefit of Members, the land parcel that Mr Low is referring to is located at the eastern side of Sungei Serangoon. It has an area of about 11.7 hectares. The lot is within part of the Tampines refuse dumping ground which has been closed.

The land is earmarked for agricultural use. However, the Primary Production Department has no immediate plans to develop the site.

Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang): Sir, would the Minister of State consider clearing the land in view of the overgrowth of the bushes and the environmental problems faced by the residents around there? There is always a fear of bush-fire during the dry season and it is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Sir, State lands are regularly maintained. I will alert the Ministry of the Environment to do the grass-cutting and clearing of the land.