Food vouchers for needy residents in Pasir Ris East

SINGAPORE: Needy residents of Pasir Ris East will get more help in the form of food vouchers.

More than 60 families will each receive a $50 voucher which can be used at selected shops in the neighbourhood over three months, under a new Community Voucher Scheme.

Grassroots Adviser to Pasir Ris East Grassroots Organisations, Mr Zainal Sapari, said it is an extension of an assistance scheme, called Enhanced Purple Heart Programme.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of a ministerial visit to the division on January 27 by Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan—Jin, Mr Zainal said residents can expect more improvements as part of efforts to rejuvenate their estates.

Mr Zainal said: "I’m also trying to push for more of the precincts to undergo the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and currently we managed to push for HDB to get four of the precincts to be under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.

"Given the fact that there are more elderly residents in the area, together with my grassroots leaders, we have actually worked together with HDB to get as many blocks on board the lift upgrading programme."

He added there will be barrier—free access in more areas, and better amenities as part of efforts to breathe new life into the estates.

Other plans in the pipeline include a major upgrading of the Pasir Ris East Community Club.

— CNA/fa