NORTH-EAST MRT LINE (Announcement of stations and details)

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Communications why the announcement of the stations and details of the North-East MRT Line has been delayed.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Sir, on 19th January 1996, I informed Parliament that Cabinet has decided to proceed to build the North-East MRT line immediately. I had then said that further details will be announced in due course. Presently, the Land Transport Authority is still finalising these details in conjunction with other relevant agencies. This is a major project, there are many planning and technical issues to resolve. An announcement will be made as soon as these issues have been settled, which is expected to be within the next few weeks.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Sir, what are the technical issues or other issues which the Minister mentioned had to be resolved? The second supplementary question is: is it true that the SMRT was scheduled to make the announcement before the Chinese New Year?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: In planning for a new rail line, there are many land use planning issues that have to be settled. There are many land acquisition issues that have to be settled. These are issues which will have to involve many different Government agencies and as a result of this it is not wise for us to rush the relevant agencies when they finally make their recommendations. In so far as the second question is concerned, I am not aware of what the Member has said.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Would the Minister confirm that the details will be released within the next two weeks?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Sir, the details will be released as soon as they are finalised. As I said in my answer just now, I expect them to be finalised within the next few weeks.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: When will it be announced? I suppose the details will include the stations. Am I right?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: I thought I made it quite clear that it will be announced as soon as the details are finalised.