Debated in Parliament on 12 Nov 2012.
Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Minister for National Development (a) why Blocks 31-33 at Lorong 6 Toa Payoh are leased by HDB, through its managing agent EM Services, to Resorts World Sentosa at below market rates to house the latter's foreign employees; (b) what are the criteria set by HDB/EM Services in awarding the contract agreement to Resorts World Sentosa; and (c) why these blocks of flats are not put under the Interim Housing Scheme for the benefit of needy Singaporean families.
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Block 31 is managed by HDB for needy Singaporeans. It is not leased to foreigners. Blocks 32 and 33 are vacated Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) flats. In 2009, HDB, as an interim arrangement, leased them to EM Services at market rates. The latter has, in turn, leased them out to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) to house its employees. This is a commercial arrangement between EM Services and RWS. It is at market rate, and there is no rental concession.
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RWS has since returned Block 32 to EM Services and is only leasing Block 33. HDB's leasing contract with EM Services will end in December 2012. The flats will then be demolished for redevelopment.
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