The Ang Mo Kio residents’ concerns had been also raised in Parliament on Jul 4 in an adjournment motion by MEGAPIXEL Nadia Samdin (PAP-Ang Mo Kio), to which National Development Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) Desmond Lee replied that the new rehousing options will apply at similar SERS projects, likely to involve even older flats, later on.
Mr Leong had submitted a petition on SERS on Jul 4 morning before Parliament convened, but Deputy Speaker Christopher de Souza mentioned a “reasonable time is needed” to make sure that the petition complied with Parliament’s Position Orders, and that there were the “few concerns” that the petition did not.
PUBLICISE FUTURE USE OF SERS SITE, WAIVE ASSOCIATED FEES
Monday’s petition, seen by CNA, requested that HDB review the present SERS compensation plan, calling it “outdated”. The petition also known as for “fairer” compensation and rehousing choices for affected Ang Mo Kio residents and people in future SERS projects.
A moratorium should be enforced on SERS impending the findings and recommendations of this evaluation, the petition stated.
In particular, the particular petition called for the particular intended use of reclaimed sites under SERS to be made public so their “actual or potential value” could be assessed.
“As a result of the evaluation by HDB from the SERS site and the replacement site, most of the affected residents are required to pay for shortfalls associated with sums of tens of thousands, if not hundred, ” it said.
The signatories said HDB should also waive resale levy, stamps and legal charges in all future SERS exercises instead of applying it on a case-by-case schedule.
“We furthermore ask that the substantial increase in cost of living be used into consideration, ” someone said, highlighting significant inflation, rising interest rates as well as the looming Goods and Services Taxes hike in 2024.
Currently, HDB’s website said residents affected by SERS will be compensated based on the their market value of their flat in the point of the SERS announcement, and “reasonable expenses” to help them move.
The particular signatories said they were disappointed that impacted residents were just offered one replacement site on the “fringe” of Ang Mo Kio, when SERS projects in the past : like in Tanglin Halt and West Coastline Road – got multiple relocation choices.
“Instead associated with leaving to opportunity, residents affected by SERS should be assured that they can continue to live in the particular district, ” they said.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The request will be referred the general public Petitions Committee, composed of chairman Tan Chuan-Jin as well as members Mr S Iswaran, Mister Ong Ye Kung, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Ms Hany Soh, Mr Edwin Tong, Mr Chee Hong Tat and Mr Leong. The committee then reports returning to the House.
Mister Chee was selected to replace Deputy Primary Minister Lawrence Wong and Mr Leong was nominated in order to fill a vacancy in the committee along with effect from Jul 27, Mr sobre Souza said on Monday.
The last petition was also posted by Mr Leong on Sep 30 last year. It required Parliament to postpone passing a proposed anti-foreign interference regulation and the setting up of a select committee to further study it.
The Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill was given to Oct 5 after a 10-hour debate.
Previous petitions have handled on topics like public housing designed for single parents (September 2017) and the moving of Sungei Road market and its stallholders (November 2017). While relevant ministries responded to these petitions, these people did not trigger any kind of legislative changes.