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SINGAPORE: Five unit owners in Lorong 3 Geylang, whose leases expire on December 31, have not found permanent housing, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said on Thursday (December 3).
The Housing and Development Board has offered these owners the option of renting an apartment under the interim rental housing scheme.
SLA had announced in June 2017 that 191 townhouse units in Lorong 3 Geylang would return to the state once their leases expire.
The land, which has a 60-year lease, will be redeveloped for public housing as part of the larger plan to rejuvenate Kallang, SLA said.
Of the 191 units, five of them have already been returned to the State. Thirty-seven units are currently owner-occupied and 149 units are vacant, or used as accommodation for foreign workers or used for religious activities, SLA added in a press release.
All occupants must vacate their facilities on December 31.
Houses in Geylang Lorong 3. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
Among the 37 owner-occupied units, 32 of them have already found new homes.
In a press conference Thursday, SLA added that six owners have indicated that they would need to rent flats under the Temporary Rental Housing scheme, as their flats would not be complete by December 31.
Meanwhile, the owners of five other units are still considering their long-term housing options, SLA said. HDB has offered units to all of them under the temporary rental housing plan at the expiration of the lease.
For units used as accommodation for foreign workers, SLA and the Ministry of Manpower have contacted employers to arrange relocation arrangements. Employers have said they will transfer their workers before Dec. 31, SLA said.
Devotees outside a temple in Geylang Lorong 3. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
There are currently 16 units being used for religious purposes, an SLA was added, and 13 of them will be relocated or closed.
The occupants of the last three units are reviewing their options, including co-location with religious organizations operating in other areas or renting commercial or industrial premises.
Those who need help relocating altars and deities can contact the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony for assistance.
“After all properties have been returned to the State at the expiration of the lease, SLA will treasure them and clear the site to prepare it for remodeling,” the agency said.
