TRAFFIC INTERCHANGE AT UPPER SERANGOON ROAD/BOUNDARY ROAD (Construction)

Mr Goh Choon Kang asked the Minister for National Development whether plans for the construction of a traffic interchange at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Boundary Road have been finalised and, if so, how it will affect existing buildings in the area, including the Braddell Heights Community Centre.

The Acting Minister for National Development (Mr Lim Hng Kiang): Mr Speaker, Sir, plans for the interchange at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Boundary Road are being finalised. In the proposed plans, it is envisaged that some of the existing buildings near the junction will be affected by the project. For the Braddell Heights Community Centre, the frontage of the site will be affected.

Mr Goh Choon Kang (Braddell Heights): Sir, how many residential units will be affected and how are they going to be resettled and compensated?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: The details on the number of residential units or shop units affected have not been finalised. When it is finalised we will make it known to the people affected. Under such a road widening project, the land will be acquired under the Land Acquisition Act and the compensation and procedures will follow accordingly.

Mr Goh Choon Kang: When will these residents be informed about the project?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Sir, as you can well appreciate, in such a project, the Public Works Department makes every attempt to minimise the impact on the surrounding area. So they have to draw up their plans carefully and make sure that they do not take more land than is necessary for the road widening project. When that is finalised, we will inform the MP of the area and we will coordinate with the Member and let the people affected know.

Mr Goh Choon Kang: I notice there is already provision for the development of the interchange in this year's budget. I suppose the project will start very soon. How soon can I know the answer?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: For budgeting purposes, we have indicated the project will start this year. When the project is finalised, we will let the Member know. I assure the Member that he will be the first to know.