The Citizen Consultative Committees (CCCs) in Aljunied GRC yesterday rebutted Workers' Party (WP) candidate Pritam Singh, saying they have been "working very closely" with the WP-run town council on upgrading projects.

Mr Singh had said at a rally last Friday that the CCCs were "indifferent to helping the community in a bigger way in opposition wards". Out of 50 Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) proposals, the CCCs had approved only 17, and work had not begun on any, he added.

But Mr Sim Wai Chin, chairman of Eunos CCC - one of five CCCs in the constituency - said in a statement that a public tender for works to be carried out for these 17 projects was called and closed in May this year. They will be awarded, he added. Out of the 17 projects, 12 were proposed by the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC) and five by the CCCs, he said, adding: "All 17 projects are being implemented at the same time."

CIPC funds for upgrading are given to town councils through the CCCs, which are grassroots bodies under the People's Association.

Mr Sim also outlined how the CCCs have been "working very closely" with AHPETC.

Between August last year and March this year , "there have been numerous consultations, including nine meetings and site visits", he said, plus e-mails between the CCCs and AHPETC.

Chong Zi Liang