RECLAMATION AT PULAU UBIN AND PULAU TEKONG KECHIL (Progress)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development what is the progress of the reclamation works at Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong Kechil; when will the bridge linking the two islands be constructed; and whether this bridge will be connected to Pulau Tekong Besar.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang (for the Minister for National Development): HDB is currently carrying out the offshore soil investigation and hydraulic model studies for the proposed reclamation works. HDB has also called tender for the hydrographic survey and field measurement works. All preliminary investigation works are expected to be completed by June 1994. Reclamation works are expected to start towards the end of 1995.

PWD is now planning and working on the design of the bridge linking the two islands. It can be constructed after the completion of the reclamation works. The timing for the development on the reclaimed land and the bridge construction will be decided in due course.

The water channel between Pulau Tekong Besar and Pulau Tekong Kechil is narrow and shallow. URA is currently evaluating whether to reclaim this channel or to connect the two islands via a causeway or a short bridge.