MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MR MAH BOW TAN Minister for National Development

1. We will enhance Singapore's physical infrastructure and environment to make it a thriving and vibrant world-class city for business, living and leisure.

2. We have commenced the review of the Concept Plan which is scheduled to be completed by 2001. The Concept Plan 2001 will provide a strategic and long-term framework for the physical development of Singapore in the next decade. The detailed land use intentions will be reflected in the Master Plan 2003, incorporating ideas and directions generated from the Concept Plan review. A City for Business

3. To ensure continued economic growth, we will set aside sufficient land for commerce, industry and infrastructure. We will encourage more intensified development of industrial land, and redevelop HDB industrial estates to meet the needs of SMEs.

4. We will also focus on the development of the New Downtown in Marina South. A comprehensive Common Services Tunnel (CST) network to house utility services like electricity and telecom cables, water and district cooling pipes will be implemented at Marina South. Besides using road space more efficiently, it will create a more pleasant and efficient urban environment for businesses.

A City for Gracious Living

5. We will work to realise the Punggol 21 vision. The new town will offer residents new lifestyle options with distinctively designed public and private housing forms. It will be served by a well-integrated transport network and a variety of recreational facilities. If well received, the planning concepts will be adopted in other new HDB towns.

6. The Estate Renewal Strategy (ERS) is already in full swing in Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown, Mountbatten and Bedok. Through the ERS, residents of the older HDB estates will be able to enjoy a better living environment without having to move out from their familiar surroundings.

7. We will step up the Main and Interim Upgrading Programmes next year if the economic recovery is sustained. Suitable precincts with high redevelopment potential will also be identified for the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme.

8. We will release sufficient land to meet the aspirations of Singaporeans to own private residential properties. The sale of land for private housing and Executive Condominiums will resume from Year 2000. We will also study ways to enhance the surroundings of the older private residential estates.

9. We will improve the quality and productivity of our construction industry. To do this, we will raise the level of professionalism at all levels in the industry, build a skilled workforce and integrate the design and construction process.

Home Ownership for All

10. The HDB home ownership programme has been vital to building a nation where everyone has a stake in Singapore's success, feels a sense of belonging and ownership, and contributes to make Singapore a world-class home for all. We will continue to promote home ownership among Singaporeans. Today, 86% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats.

11. We will adjust HDB's Building Programme regularly to meet the demand for new flats. We will also keep prices of new HDB flats affordable. 90% of Singaporean households will be able to afford at least a 3-room flat, and 70% at least a 4-room flat. To help younger Singaporeans set up families earlier, first-time applicants will continue to be accorded priority in the allocation of new HDB flats.

12. Low-income families will receive special assistance. The new Rent and Purchase Scheme will offer such households an additional option when buying 3-room flats.

A Quality Lifestyle

13. We will make Singapore our garden. We will provide more tree-lined streetscapes and ample recreational open space even as Singapore becomes more urbanised. Our park network and park facilities will be developed and managed to enhance the enjoyment of our people. We will introduce scenic nightscape lighting at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and other major parks. We will also provide more recreational opportunities in our parks to promote community usage.

14. Our heavy reliance on food imports makes us vulnerable to outbreaks of food-poisoning and animal diseases which can be transmitted to humans. We will upgrade our food inspection and surveillance systems and laboratory services. We will also diversify our sources for the supply of safe foods to meet increasing demands from our growing population.