Hougang Getting 3 Upgrading Schemes

Hougang getting 3 upgrading schemes

Six months after the Hougang by-election, the opposition constituency is being upgraded at a pace that has raised some eyebrows.

The Workers' Party (WP) stronghold, which has rarely benefited from national upgrading schemes in the past 20 years, is getting three of the programmes.

The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) is under way, while the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) were announced in August.

Earlier this month, Hougang residents also got to use the new bus service 116, launched as part of the $1.1 billion Bus Service Enhancement Programme.

The HIP, NRP and new bus service were announced after the May 26 by-election.

Asked if there had been a shift in PAP strategy, both the WP MP Png Eng Huat and the PAP's Mr 

Desmond Choo gave similar replies: Residents' needs come first.

As for HIP and NRP, which will spruce up ageing homes and estates, he said it is evident that Hougang is due for upgrading.

When Mr Choo pushed for a new senior activity centre, Mr Png gave his blessing to the voluntary welfare organisation which will run the centre.

However, the truce may be tested next year as Mr Png intends to ask for Community Improvement Projects Committee funds for small improvements not covered under NRP.

Residents welcomed the changes, but doubted whether they would have much political traction now.

In the meantime, Mr Png and Mr Choo are making improvements of their own.

Mr Choo said the National Development Ministry is evaluating his proposal for a wet market.

Mr Png, who is vice-chairman of Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, has fulfilled his campaign promises to start improvement works for the elderly and hold community activities like street soccer for the young.

Source: The Straits Times –27 November 2012