Eight private estates selected for upgrading

By Monica Kotwani, Channel NewsAsia, 26 Dec 2012

The Ministry of National Development (MND) will spend about S$29 million over the next two years to upgrade and develop the infrastructure in private estates.

Eight private estates have been selected - Goldhill, Mayflower Gardens and Yio Chu Kang Gardens, Cashew and Hazel Park Terrace, Greenleaf, Bartley Neighbourhood, Carmichael, Haig Road, and Limau.

The Ministry said these are the older private estates which have a greater scope for improvement.

Works include landscaping, play and fitness equipment, park furniture and widening of footpaths.

More than 7,000 households in these estates are expected to benefit from the improved facilities when works are completed in three to four years.

Since 2000 when the Estate Upgrading Programme first started, MND has spent S$138 million benefiting more than 34,000 households in 46 private estates.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Chairman of the Estate Upgrading Programme Committee, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, said: "There is high demand for upgrading and improvement works from private estates.

"When selecting a site for upgrading, we consider the age and physical condition of the estate, and scope for improvement.

"We are encouraged to see the strong support for our private estate upgrading programmes, which not only create a better living environment but also strengthen community bonding."