Speech by George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and MP For Aljunied GRC, at the Launch of IUP Plus at Vale RC on 7 Dec 2006 at 7.15 PM

IUP Plus For Hougang Avenue 10 Blocks 508 To 517

Dear Residents

Good evening!

1. Allow me first to introduce my good friend, the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr Taro Aso. He has just arrived from Tokyo for a bilateral visit. We'll be having dinner afterwards. Tomorrow we'll fly together to the Philippines for the ASEAN Summit. I have invited him to join me for this evening's event to launch the Upgrading Programme for Blocks 508 to 517. Please join me in welcoming Minister Aso.

2. The Interim Upgrading Programme Plus we are launching this evening will have two components. First, it will have the basic Interim Upgrading Programme for the common areas. Under this Programme, we will build covered link ways, covered drop-off points, ramps and other amenities for the residents. This programme will be fully funded by the Government and you, the residents, will not have to pay anything. As there will be some inconvenience, this programme will only be implemented if at least 75% of the residents living in the entire precinct vote for it.

3. The second component is the Lift Upgrading Programme. Wherever possible, we will upgrade the lifts in every block to stop on every floor to make it easier for our senior citizens and for those who have difficulty climbing stairs. The Government and the Town Council will subsidize the bulk of the cost of upgrading the lifts for Singapore citizens. Eligible residents will still have to pay a certain amount of money depending on the size of the unit and the structure of the block. New lifts and additional lift shafts may be required. Once we know how much it will cost, we will make the amount known to you. For the lift upgrading to be carried out in any particular block, at least 75% of the eligible residents must vote in favour. We will have different payment plans including special arrangements for those who face financial difficulty.

4. A Working Committee will be formed to work out the details involving members from HDB, the Town Council and grassroots organisations. Please give us your feedback. We hope to be able to present the detailed proposals to you by the middle of next year and have voting after that.

Thank you very much!

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