SPP "not unhappy" Potong Pasir void deck being used by VWO

SINGAPORE: Non—Constituency Member of Parliament Lina Chiam stressed in Parliament on Monday that the SPP is "not unhappy" that a void deck in Potong Pasir where former MP Chiam See Tong held his Meet—the—People sessions is being converted into a wellness centre by a voluntary welfare organisation (VWO).

"I want to emphasise that SPP is not unhappy that block 108 is taken by a VWO for residents’ welfare but rather, residents should be consulted and explained about the void deck being taken over," she said.

Current MP for Potong Pasir Sitoh Yih Pin announced in October that an organisation "popular with residents" would convert the Potong Pasir void deck into a wellness centre for residents, saying that other unused void decks in Potong Pasir had already been earmarked.

He declined to name the organisation.

Parliamentary Secretary for National Development Dr Maliki Osman responded to Mrs Chiam saying that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) works with supervising ministries of VWOs in decisions regarding the allocation of void deck areas to such organisations.

However, HDB also takes into account input from local town councils and grassroots leaders, he added.

"On whether we consult the residents, on whether we engage the residents, I think the process ought to be one of engagement. But at some point in time, the decision will have to be made to serve the larger community," said Dr Maliki.

The new centre is expected to be up by the first quarter of next year.

— CNA/jc