PUBLIC INQUIRY ON UPGRADING OF HDB FLATS AT MARINE

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for National Development whether he will hold a public inquiry to enquire why the upgrading of the HDB flats at Marine Terrace could not be completed.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The upgrading works at Marine Terrace stopped on 3rd June 2003 due to the latest contractor's financial difficulties and cash flow problems. HDB had exercised due diligence before engaging the original and subsequent two novated contractors for the project. Unfortunately, they all ran into financial problems.

HDB has employed a contingency contractor to minimise inconvenience to residents, complete the more urgent works first and provide essential services like conservancy work, housekeeping and site security. A limited tender has been called to select a new contractor to finish the work. The new contractor should be on site by August 2003. Completion may be slightly delayed by one to two months.

Since HDB is not the cause of the delay and measures have been taken to complete the works expeditiously, there is no need for a public inquiry.