http://www.todayonline.com/articles/87632.asp
Upgraded lifts, pedestrian malls, security systems, fitness corners
in the offing
THE Town Councils of East Coast and Tampines have announced their
renewal packages, which are worth $500 million and $300 million,
respectively.
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Yesterday, Sembawang Town Council announced its plans for a $570
million mega makeover.
.
Over the next five years, housing estates in the Sembawang,
Admiralty, Canberra, Chong Pang, Marsiling, Nee Soon Central, Nee
Soon East and Woodlands estates will receive more linkways,
upgraded lifts, pedestrian malls, parks, security systems and
fitness corners.
.
A huge chunk of the funds to the tune of $336 million will be
channelled into lift upgrading projects and $4 million will be
spent on the construction of three new parks.
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Yishun will get a new hospital and improved library, Sembawang a
new bus interchange, Woodlands a polytechnic, and Chong Pang new
pedestrian malls.
.
Unveiling these plans at an appreciation dinner yesterday,
Sembawang Town Council chairman Hawazi Daipi said: "It is a plan
that will benefit all ages. While much effort has been put in to
looking after the needs of our elderly residents and disabled in
this Town Renewal Plan, we also made sure children as well as adult
residents are well taken care of. We also pay attention to
integrate our facilities in a way that will help enhance family and
community bonding."
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During the dinner, grassroots leaders and residents of Sembawang
Town Council paid a special tribute to Dr Tony Tan, MP for
Sembawang GRC and Adviser to Sembawang Town Council, by means of a
slide presentation and token of appreciation for his years of
contribution to the town council.
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Formerly the Deputy Prime Minister before he retired from the
Cabinet in September, Dr Tan, 65, had been an MP in Sembawang since
he entered politics in 1979. Dr Tan has recently taken up positions
in the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and Singapore
Press Holdings.
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In the last five years, 21,000 households in the older estates
benefited from a total of 25 Upgrading Programmes costing $340
million. In addition, 600 improvement projects were implemented
throughout the area.
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According to Mr Hawazi, Sembawang Town Council is in "very sound
financial health" with a surplus of $8.6 million and $233 million
in its reserves. Its decision to invest its funds has paid
off.
.
"Our funds with our fund managers have given us a total return of
$25 million in the last two years, or a yield of 16 per cent per
annum," said Mr Hawazi
