Upgrades for Serangoon residents

Serangoon residents can look forward to soccer hard-courts, improved jogging tracks, drop-off porches and fitness corners in their neighbourhood.

The upgrade works, which is part of the government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme worth $7.05 million, will start at the fourth quarter of 2010 and is expected to be completed by 2012.

Announcing at the annual Serangoon Community Day, Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said yesterday that the upgrading works will benefit 2,100 units in 25 HDB blocks in Serangoon North, which was built in 1989.

Citing the children's playgrounds and the fitness corners as the popular requests, Mrs. Lim said a working committee will be formed to gather the feedbacks of the residents and address their needs.

“A lot depends on the different precincts and the space available, which is often the main constraint, and the terrain: whether it is unlevel, and also the budget,” said the Member of Parliament.

Mrs. Lim added that construction of special access road that would connect workers' dormitory in Serangoon Gardens to Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 is almost finished. She will meet the dorm’s operator to discuss several operational issues once the Ministry of National Development gives a go signal for the said meeting.

“Once the road is ready, the successful tenderer can start fitting out the place but because it (the dorm) is temporary, we will not expect substantial improvements. When it is up and running, it will pose minimal disamenity, if at all,” she said.

Mrs. Lim also launched yesterday the annual Zero Litter Month for Aljunied GRC, which aims to renew awareness of residents about proper hygiene practices.