SINGAPORE: Residents in Pulau Ubin affected by the recent census survey will have to start paying monthly rent between S$6 to S$35 in the first year if they choose to stay on the island.
In a joint statement issued by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the Housing Development Board (HDB) on Wednesday, the rent is subsidised and 90 per cent of the 22 households will pay less than S$20 per month in the first year.
However, the rent will be increased over five years based on market rates.
From the sixth year, the rent will range between S$31 and S$205 per month.
Ninety per cent of the households are expected to pay less than S$120 per month.
Residents can continue to remain on the island via a Temporary Occupational Licence (TOL) as there are no other plans for the State land in the foreseeable future.
The fee is determined based on the gross area and land area occupied.
SLA and HDB issued the statement to clarify the confusion caused by the Notice of Census Survey that was served on the 22 households on 12 March.
They reiterated that the residents are not being evicted and they can continue to stay on in their premises.
In addition, the planning intention is to keep Pulau Ubin in its rustic state for as long as possible.
The Notice of Census Survey that HDB served on the residents made reference to the past planning intent, which was originally described in 1993 as the development of an adventure park.
Many residents had taken it to be eviction notices.
The census survey had made reference to "resettlement" benefits and a "clearance" scheme.
SLA and HDB clarified that the terms used were in connection to the 1993 plan.
The authorities acknowledged that the notification could have been more carefully worded and the language updated to reflect the eventual development.
SLA and HDB have apologised for the anxiety caused to the residents involved.
www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pulau-ubin-residents-to-start-paying-ren/641234.html
