Workers' Party not building offices at void decks for MPS
Posted: 21 July 2011 1958 hrs
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SINGAPORE: The opposition Workers' Party has decided not to construct offices at HDB void decks for its Meet-The-People-Sessions (MPS).
In a statement, the party said it would be a financial burden to build such offices.
That's because the party would have to bear the cost of construction.
And pay for the reinstatement of the void deck to its original condition, if the space is no longer required.
The party currently conducts its MPS at eight locations.
It said constructing offices for all eight would be costly.
It will also have to set aside money for maintenance and other running costs.
Other things the party considered - uncertainty over what kind of "community services", which require the consent of the HDB, could be held at the MPS office.
And the possibility of boundaries being re-drawn, which the party said, may render the location of the offices obsolete in five years.
The National Development Ministry said in May, that Members of Parliament will now be given an option to set up offices at HDB void decks for their MPS.
They were not allowed to do so before.
Some MPs conduct their MPS at open void decks with makeshift chairs and tables.
Others rent premises sublet by social and educational organisations.
- CNA/ck