Potong Pasir MP explains decision to set up wellness centre

SINGAPORE: The decision of a voluntary welfare organisation to set up a wellness centre at Block 108, Potong Pasir Avenue 1 has been very much in the news.

At a community dialogue with Potong Pasir residents, the ward’s MP Sitoh Yih Pin gave a full account of what led to the decision.

He also revealed new plans for the ward, which includes a supermarket and gym.

It is the first ministerial walkabout for Potong Pasir in more than a decade.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and MP Sitoh Yih Pin began their day meeting residents in Toa Payoh Lorong 8 for breakfast.

Joining the party was a familiar guest — opposition veteran, Mr Chiam See Tong, who was MP for Potong Pasir for some 27 years.

Mr Chiam’s wife, Non—Constituency MP Lina Chiam, also joined them.

Mr Gan then took a tour of the ward with Mr Sitoh leading the way.

The visit culminated in a community dialogue with residents, and many took the opportunity to ask about municipal issues.

Some wanted to know if there were plans to build covered walkways in the neighbourhood, while others hoped to see more sports and recreational facilities.

Mr Sitoh outlined his plans for Potong Pasir, and provided details to reporters after the dialogue.

"Our Lift Upgrading Programme is well underway and by 2014, all this should be completed. We are also having an extension for our community club. We’re starting the construction work in the early part of next year," said Mr Sitoh.

"The extension of the community club will house a 5,000—square feet supermarket by NTUC FairPrice and also a POSB bank, a gymnasium and various facilities," he added.

Mr Sitoh also shed more light on voluntary welfare organisation Wan Min Community Services’ plans to build a wellness centre at the void deck of Block 108, Potong Pasir Avenue 1.

The spot had been used by former Potong Pasir MP Chiam See Tong for his Meet—the—People sessions since 1992.

After several months of discussion, Wan Min decided on the void deck of Block 108.

"If you want to build anything at the void deck, there are many considerations. One of the most important considerations is that after that there must be sufficient space for the residents to use for birthday parties, weddings, wakes, block parties... we have to ensure that," said Mr Sitoh.

Mr Sitoh said his team and Wan Min share similar ideals for Potong Pasir — which is to improve the lives of residents.

— CNA/cc