RECLAMATION (PULAU MERLIMAU)

The Minister of State for Law (Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Cap. 113) approves the reclamation by the Government of the foreshore and seabed north of Pulau Merlimau containing an area of about 34 ha as shown coloured pink on the plan marked `LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO 2/97' which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.

Sir, Parliament at its sitting on 28th May 1993 approved Phase 1A of the reclamation of approximately 166.6 hectares of foreshore/seabed between Pulau Seraya and Pulau Merlimau, Pulau Ayer Chawan, Pulau Ayer Merbau and Pulau Sakra to form the proposed Jurong Island. The amalgamated Jurong Island will yield more industrial land for Singapore and be turned into a world class petroleum and petrochemical complex, with related supporting industries. Phase 1A of the reclamation is expected to be completed in March 1998. Phases 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B and 2C of the reclamation of an additional 440.4 hectares of foreshore/seabed between Pulau Seraya, Pulau Ayer Merbau, Pulau Ayer Chawan, Pulau Sakra, Pulau Pesek and Pulau Pesek Kecil were approved by Parliament on 27th February 1996, and are expected to be completed in December 1998.

Sir, it is now proposed to proceed with Phase 3A of the reclamation to reclaim the foreshore/seabed north of Pulau Merlimau as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 2/97", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of hon. Members. The proposed reclamation will yield an additional 34.2 hectares of land.

Sir, Jurong Town Corporation will be appointed as agent of the Government to oversee the reclamation works. The reclamation and infrastructural works, estimated to cost approximately $142 million, will commence immediately and be completed in December 1998.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Cap. 113) approves the reclamation by the Government of the foreshore and seabed north of Pulau Merlimau containing an area of about 34 ha as shown coloured pink on the plan marked `LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO 2/97' which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.