Expect road diversions near Rochor

Expect road diversions near Rochor
By Hetty Musfirah | Posted: 16 November 2011 2128 hrs

SINGAPORE: Major construction of the southern segment of the North-South Expressway (NSE), not due till 2015, will see some temporary road diversions and relocation of access points to several properties.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said such inconveniences will be kept to a minimum.

But those likely to be affected said they hope plans for construction work will be conveyed early.

The 21.5-kilometre NSE will link the northern parts of Singapore to the city centre.

Two full lots and 21 partial lots have been acquired for the southern segment.

Partial acquisition may comprise grass verge, car park lots and foot paths of properties.

Properties affected by partial acquisition include Novena Ville and Novena Gardens along Thomson Road.

The management of Novena Gardens did not want to give an on-camera interview but Channel NewsAsia understands from some staff that the car park area is an area that has been acquired to facilitate the construction of the NSE.

It is understood the car park lots can be full especially during lunchtime.

As such, the acquisition of the car park area could inconvenience restaurants nearby.

Concerns over noise and calls for greater engagement were raised by properties like Nuovo when the northern segment was unveiled in January.

LTA said the study for noise mitigation measures for the entire expressway is ongoing.

Some hope they will be kept well-informed of construction plans for the southern segment.

Novena Ville tenant Wee Toon Ouut said he hopes construction works can be carried out quickly.

"My business depends a lot on the church and the bus stop in front of (of my shop). It's convenient and if these are taken away like that, then definitely this will have a direct impact on my business," he said.

LTA said it will update stakeholders on all works, closer to the start of construction.

But engagement has already begun.

Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew told Channel NewsAsia he met stakeholders of the Nanyang Pho Leng Building, to explain the need for land acquisition.

Mr Lui said he understands the news of the acquisition can be unsettling, given the deep emotional attachment of members to the place.

He said while the government generally does not give alternative sites to those affected by acquisitions, it will offer fair monetary compensation, pegged to the market value of the property.

He added as their MP, he will help with the purchase and relocation to a new site.

"I went to the association on Monday evening to meet with the chairman, trustees and several appointment holders to personally explain the situation to them," Mr Lui said.

"I fully understand that the news of the acquisition is very sudden and therefore it would be unsettling to the members of the association, as they have been there for many years and there is deep emotional attachment to the place.

"But I know they do understand why we need to build this expressway, and the benefits that it will bring to everyone.

"While the government generally does not offer alternative sites to those affected by acquisitions, it will offer fair monetary compensation that is pegged to the market value of the property."

Singapore Land Authority said it will engage the owners of those affected by the acquisition on issues and concerns they may have, from next month.

- CNA/wk

- wong chee tat :)