By MP for Punggol East SMC, Lee Li Lian
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 14 March 2013]
Madam, childcare is an integral part of a couple’s plans for raising their children. More often than not, for families where both parents are working, the cost and availability of quality childcare facilities are top concerns.
As anchor operators, the PAP Community Foundation and the NTUC My First Skool receive heavy set-up and operating grants, and in the process prevent fair competition in the childcare market. This will gradually reduce the choices and viable options for parents. My fellow Workers’ Party colleague, Mr. Yee Jenn Jong suggested making childcare services available to all Singaporeans as a public good. In response, the Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr. Chan Chun Sing stated that the scheme is currently under review and the Implementation Committee for Enhancing Pre-school education will be announcing the details in due course.
Many parents in my ward of Punggol East will be anxiously waiting for the outcome of this review. There are insufficient childcare facilities in Punggol East to meet the demand of the ward. A look at the number of vacancies at each centre as well as the estimated waiting time would be a good determinant of whether there are enough childcare facilities available on the ground. Considering that Punggol East has a relatively younger population as compared to more mature estates, the demand for childcare facilities will consequently be higher.
Madam, the demand for childcare facilities in Punggol East will only continue to increase with the increase in houses in the vicinity and hopefully with more young couples, encouraged by recent moves, having more children. As such, I call upon the Ministry to prioritise the building of childcare facilities in younger estates, and to also factor child care spaces into the design of BTO flats in all new towns. I would also like to ask the Minister if there are any specific plans to develop additional childcare facilities in Punggol East SMC.
