Singapore Government Press Release

___________________________________________________________

Thank you ladies and gentlemen for taking time off this morning to be here to witness our Interim Upgrading Program (IUP) Batch 3 Ground-breaking Ceremony of Blocks 202-209 Tampines Street 21.

Almost a year ago in November last year, we held our IUP Polling-cum-exhibition here. Following that, the committee and Town Councillors have been working very hard behind the scene to get the IUP started. From now on, you will see a lot of things happening.

This precinct is one of the oldest in Tampines Town. However, its spirit and history is anything but dull. The rich and vibrant living environment that one experiences in this neighbourhood will be further enhanced after our facelift is completed. This project costs about $5 million or roughly $6,000 per flat. It is mainly financed by Government.

You can look forward to spending cool evenings with your families at our leisure parks and fountain plazas. The new basketball courts, fitness corners and pebble footpaths will be an attraction to the sporty young and senior citizens. I hope you will also appreciate the cosy lift lobbies, sheltered walkways and car porches that will be built under this IUP.

A special feature of this neighbourhood is the 3-in-1 Family Centre, operated by the PAP Community Foundation. This 3-in-1 concept of childcare centre, after-school care and daycare for the senior citizens was first started in 1 Sep 1995 in our Tampines East CC. It has since become very popular with our residents, and we have to decided to expand and incorporate it into this IUP. This is to cater for and meet the changing needs and demands of our residents. The young will have a place to learn and grow, while the senior citizens can be looked after by our volunteers during the day while the family is at work.

After today’s event, works for the IUP will start. We seek your understanding and patience to put up with some inconvenience. There will be dust, there will be noise, but these are only temporary. The Town Council staff will do their best to minimise any inconveniences and disturbances to you so that you can carry on with your usual activities.

We are also celebrating the opening of the upgraded RC Centre and Senior Citizens’ Lounge at Block 209. It is important to have these interaction social lounges for you to spend time with your families, friends and neighbours.

Not too long ago, we also had our official opening for the N2 Shopping Street. From feedback, we know that residents are happy as shopping has never been made so easy and convenient. With the N2 Shopping Street right at the doorstep, night life is full of events and very colourful.

With all these facilities, the Town Council hopes to inject more spirit, life and colour to your surroundings. The Town Council hopes to bring together our communities and to encourage them to interact with one another. Through this, we can bring about a more gracious society by encouraging residents to care for our surroundings. Together, I am confident we can continue to create a healthy living environment for ourselves and make Tampines our best home.