PRIMARY SCHOOL IN BISHAN NORTH ESTATE

Encik Ibrahim bin Othman asked the Minister for Education whether a primary school will be built in Bishan North Estate.

The Minister for Education (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Mr Speaker, Sir, there are four primary schools serving Bishan New Town. My Ministry is studying more closely the projected supply and demand of primary school places in the area before deciding whether to build another primary school in Bishan North Estate.

Encik Ibrahim bin Othman: Sir, is the Minister aware that of the four primary schools in Bishan, as stated by the Minister, none are in Bishan North? Would the Minister consider seriously giving us a primary school at the earliest date convenient?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the four schools I mentioned include Guangyang Primary School which still had vacancies at the end of the Primary 1 registration last year, despite it being a year for Dragon babies.

Encik Ibrahim bin Othman: Is the Minister aware that the school which has the vacancies is not convenient to the residents? Would the Minister consider again the request made by my residents two years ago?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, my answer is yes, we will consider. But, of course, it will not be possible to have primary schools near the doorsteps of every home.