Building a model town like Tampines takes heart and people, not just bricks: Masagos

A model town featuring a regional town centre, more active ageing centres for seniors and greater support for low-income families are among the plans the PAP has in store for Tampines residents.

- Aqil Hamzah and Shermaine Ang

The estate will be an example of a caring community prepared for the future, said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli.

Speaking during a rally at Temasek Junior College on May 1, Mr Masagos said there are nine active ageing centres now, with more to come, and a new nursing home is also being built in the north of the town.

Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, highlighted several other projects in Tampines that have been completed.

For instance, Tampines can take pride in being Singapore's first cycling town, the test site of Wolbachia mosquitoes to reduce dengue cases, and the town that has the country's first district cooling network.

"Anyone can build a town. But a model town? That takes more than bricks. It takes heart and people," said Mr Masagos.

In his rally speech, he also asked what the opposition would do for residents if any of the three other parties contesting Tampines GRC is voted into Parliament. At least one party, he added, has said it will move forward with plans he has drawn up for the town.

Mr Masagos said: "I said to them, excuse me, that's my plan. Just because you've read the in-flight magazine, doesn't mean you know how to fly the plane."

The PAP's Tampines team, on the other hand, has "always moved forward... side-by-side" with residents, he added.