Planning Required before Public Announcement of Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the planning stages and current status of the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) as raised by Ms Hazel Poa. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee explained that VERS is an iterative long-term town planning process focused on optimizing land and upgrading essential infrastructure like roads and utilities. He emphasized the importance of sensitively staging redevelopment while ensuring sufficient construction capacity and various housing options for residents. The Ministry is currently refining the scheme’s package, polling mechanics, and relocation processes to ensure that the needs and aspirations of all Singaporeans are met. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee noted that more details will be shared in due course as the Government concludes its detailed planning.
Transcript
20 Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the different stages of planning for the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) that will be needed prior to the full details of VERS being made available to the public; (b) at which stage of planning is VERS currently at; (c) whether studies and consultations have commenced; and (d) if not, whether there are plans to do so.
Mr Desmond Lee: Planning for the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) involves detailed long-term town planning to ensure that we optimise our limited land resources in order to cater to the housing needs of current and future generations of Singaporeans.
It is an iterative endeavour rather than a straightforward, staged process. In planning the rejuvenation of our Housing and Development Board towns, we need to carefully and sensitively stage redevelopment in the older parts of each town, while minimising dis-amenities to the residents in newer parts. Existing roads, greenery, drainage, utilities and other infrastructure may also need to be upgraded to support town rejuvenation. At the same time, we will also have to ensure that there is sufficient construction sector capacity to support the pace of VERS and new housing demand.
We are also working through the package for VERS and the detailed mechanics and processes for polling and relocation. We want to ensure that residents' needs are taken care of, that there will be sufficient new homes at the right time for them and a range of housing options to meet the needs and aspirations of Singaporeans at different life stages.
As shared at the recent Ministry of National Development Committee of Supply debate, we are working through the details and will share them with Singaporeans in due course. [Please refer to "Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)", Official Report, 5 March 2024, Vol 95, Issue 130, Budget section.]