Thursday, November 17, 2011
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 :)
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 :)
Don't cash out flats, Rochor residents urged
Don't cash out flats, Rochor residents urged
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 16 November 2011 2106 hrs
SINGAPORE: Residents of the Rochor Centre HDB flats have been cautioned against cashing out in the resale market.
Member of Parliament for Moulmein-Kallang GRC Denise Phua has urged them to consider taking up the relocation package to Kallang, following Tuesday's announcement on the North-South Expressway (NSE).
Four blocks at Rochor Centre will be making way for the NSE.
Affected residents have been assured of a new flat in Kallang, and in many cases, may even enjoy some net proceeds.
Following the initial shock of the news, residents have been trying to make sense of the compensation offered.
Some have raised concerns the money offered is insufficient.
RC chairman Eunice Phng said: "Three-room to three-room, they're getting about S$100,000, they think it's still not enough.
"Because they are actually making way for the highway, and this is a very prime area, you can't get a similar area like this.
"So they think the loss is there. But in terms of payment, if the authorities can look into more benefits, that will really make them happier."
Home owners have the option of selling the flat in the open market, where they are likely to fetch a premium above market value.
The relocation benefits can also be transferred to the new owner, who may have set their sights on the Kallang development.
But the area's MP has urged residents against selling their flats.
Ms Phua said: "If any of the residents were to sell too quickly without thinking through, and apply for another estate, they will not get the priority and they may find themselves stuck.
"The other thing is, if they choose to cash out and use the money and find that later on they have no where else to go, they will not be -- most of them -- ... entitled to a rental flat because of the surplus they would have profited."
Ms Phua also pointed out residents stand to gain from moving to Kallang.
She noted that not only will they be getting a brand new flat with a fresh 99-year lease, elderly residents who currently endure the inconvenience of a lack of lifts in Rochor, will be able to benefit from having lifts on every floor in Kallang.
HDB has frozen the sale of these flats for a month to ensure residents fully understand the relocation package before making a decision.
It will also be holding a week-long exhibition, starting this Friday, to explain the compensation details and also provide more information on the replacement flats in Kallang.
- CNA/wk
- wong chee tat :)
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 16 November 2011 2106 hrs
SINGAPORE: Residents of the Rochor Centre HDB flats have been cautioned against cashing out in the resale market.
Member of Parliament for Moulmein-Kallang GRC Denise Phua has urged them to consider taking up the relocation package to Kallang, following Tuesday's announcement on the North-South Expressway (NSE).
Four blocks at Rochor Centre will be making way for the NSE.
Affected residents have been assured of a new flat in Kallang, and in many cases, may even enjoy some net proceeds.
Following the initial shock of the news, residents have been trying to make sense of the compensation offered.
Some have raised concerns the money offered is insufficient.
RC chairman Eunice Phng said: "Three-room to three-room, they're getting about S$100,000, they think it's still not enough.
"Because they are actually making way for the highway, and this is a very prime area, you can't get a similar area like this.
"So they think the loss is there. But in terms of payment, if the authorities can look into more benefits, that will really make them happier."
Home owners have the option of selling the flat in the open market, where they are likely to fetch a premium above market value.
The relocation benefits can also be transferred to the new owner, who may have set their sights on the Kallang development.
But the area's MP has urged residents against selling their flats.
Ms Phua said: "If any of the residents were to sell too quickly without thinking through, and apply for another estate, they will not get the priority and they may find themselves stuck.
"The other thing is, if they choose to cash out and use the money and find that later on they have no where else to go, they will not be -- most of them -- ... entitled to a rental flat because of the surplus they would have profited."
Ms Phua also pointed out residents stand to gain from moving to Kallang.
She noted that not only will they be getting a brand new flat with a fresh 99-year lease, elderly residents who currently endure the inconvenience of a lack of lifts in Rochor, will be able to benefit from having lifts on every floor in Kallang.
HDB has frozen the sale of these flats for a month to ensure residents fully understand the relocation package before making a decision.
It will also be holding a week-long exhibition, starting this Friday, to explain the compensation details and also provide more information on the replacement flats in Kallang.
- CNA/wk
- wong chee tat :)
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