Over the weekend (Jan 28), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, joined his constituents at Teck Ghee for a Chinese New Year celebration.
Besides updating residents on upcoming estate rejuvenation and upgrades, PM Lee also touched on the issue of inflation.
“I also know that cost of living continues to be top of mind among many Singaporeans. The government recognises these concerns, and we are providing tangible help, especially to those from the lower-income and vulnerable groups,” shared PM Lee in a Facebook post after the dinner.
Recognising cost-of-living concerns
“Food prices, energy prices and electricity prices, they have all gone up, not just in Singapore but in other countries too,” said PM Lee empathetically.
As such, we have allocated more resources to help Singaporeans, especially those from vulnerable and lower-income groups, he added.
Besides the S$300 worth of CDC vouchers allocated to every household, there are cash benefits, such as the Cost-of-Living payment distributed last December, and other support measures, such as U-Save rebates, GST vouchers and MediSave top-ups.
These schemes, part of an S$8 Billion Assurance Package, can provide immediate support to help Singaporeans cope with higher inflation and manage the cost of living.
Fortunately, inflation will not last forever, and there are schemes to ensure good jobs and wages to help Singaporeans beat inflation in the long term.
Acknowledging that Singaporeans have had to tighten their belts and adjust their spending habits during this period of global inflation, PM Lee remains optimistic.
“Together, we will get through this,” he said.
Big plans ahead for Ang Mo Kio
Source: Yip Hon Wen/Facebook
During his speech, PM Lee also spoke about the plans Ang Mo Kio residents can look forward to in 2023.
The main shopping street from Ang Mo Kio Hub to the Town Center will have more barrier-free walkways, sheltered rest areas, and a revamped playground, said PM Lee.
Several blocks in Teck Ghee will also undergo the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP).
We will be repainting the blocks and installing new covered walkways for Blk 338 to 314, added PM Lee.
In addition, there are also plans to renew the swimming complex and build more Active SG sports facilities such as dance studios and ball game courts.
Not only will these new inclusions usher in a Healthier SG, but they are also part of the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme by the Housing & Development Board (HDB).
The renewal efforts, done in consultation with residents and tailored to meet the needs of the community, will breathe new life into older areas and provide estates with upgraded town centres, parks, new communal spaces, and improvements to connectivity networks.
Take a look at what is there and imagine what Ang Mo Kio will be, urged PM Lee to the residents.
After all, it is easy to take such rejuvenation efforts for granted. Without which, our neighbourhoods would look dated.
As PM Lee ended his speech with the hopes of gathering again next year to celebrate new things, Singaporeans indeed have much to celebrate and look forward to as we emerge triumphant from the Covid-19 pandemic.
All photos taken from: Lee Hsien Loong/Facebook