Nee Soon MPs committed to furthering support for residents

The rising cost of living is a concern for many, and Nee Soon GRC residents are not exempt. That is why its MPs are committed to furthering support for residents, said Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam on Feb 15.

Mr Shanmugam, who is the MP for the Chong Pang ward within the group representation constituency, said in a statement: "In addition to the government support, we have reinforced support for Nee Soon residents with initiatives like the Nee Soon Cares vouchers programme."

The programme distributes shopping vouchers to eligible households in the GRC, and comes on top of other national initiatives, such as the CDC Vouchers Scheme.

In a statement on the launch of My Nee Soon, a series of carnivals with an exhibition showcasing upgrading works in the GRC, the Nee Soon Town Council said that eligible residents can also enrol in its food distribution programme and eldercare diaper programme, among others.

In his opening speech at the event, Mr Shanmugam, who has been MP for Chong Pang for 37 years, said there have been improvements in the constituency's transport connectivity, environmental sustainability and healthcare facilities over the years.

One new facility is the Chong Pang integrated centre, slated for completion in 2027. When completed, it will house the Chong Pang Community Club, Chong Pang Hawker Centre and Market, swimming pools and a supermarket.

Mr Shanmugam added that he expects these upgrades to improve property values in Chong Pang and Nee Soon Central.

Efforts to make Nee Soon the "healthcare hub of the north" and a place conducive to young families have also been made, he added. Healthcare facilities in the area include Wellness Kampungs run by residents, several polyclinics and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

There are also plans to make the area better for people with dementia and for activities aimed at families with children.

Nee Soon Town Council chairman Derrick Goh, who is the MP for Nee Soon Link ward, said the town council has also focused on sustainability in estate upgrading. This includes, for example, replacing the estate's lights with more energy-efficient LED ones.

The town council has also been putting solar panels on Housing Board blocks - an initiative which is nearly completed - and has plans to sell the excess energy back to the grid, Mr Goh added.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Mr Shanmugam said the issues of concern for residents are mainly the cost of food and the cleanliness of estates.

He added that getting the economy right remains a primary job for the Government. He said: "Make sure the jobs are there, yes, and make sure the young people, when they come out, get jobs within six months.

"The older people, if the jobs are changing, make sure we try and help them. And we've got to take care of their surroundings, their mortgages."

Residents expressed satisfaction with the estate's management so far. Ms Shailaja Kamalasanan, who is in her early 50s and works in facilities management, said she is excited about the new integrated development in Chong Pang.

Ms Shailaja, who has lived in the ward for 39 years, said: "I am excited about using the new swimming pools. I sometimes use the pools at Yishun Swimming Complex, but it's a little farther away for me."

Engineer Daniel Tay, 45, said he has witnessed many improvements in the town since he moved in nine years ago.

Mr Tay, who lives in Nee Soon South, said: "There are more covered walkways now, and they are building a dog run nearby.

"The town council is also very responsive when issues are flagged."