S'pore split into 16 towns with own town councils

SINGAPORE has officially been divided into 16 "towns" served by their respective town councils, according to a list the Ministry of National Development (MND) released yesterday.

Of the 16 town councils, two are new, 13 have been reconstituted and one remains unchanged.

The two new town councils are Jalan Besar and Marsiling-Yew Tee.

As of yesterday, Jalan Besar Town Council will serve Jalan Besar GRC, a constituency revived at the Sept 11 polls, as well as the single-seat ward of Potong Pasir. Town councils previously serving these vicinities - Moulmein-Kallang and Potong Pasir - have been dissolved.

Meanwhile, Marsiling-Yee Tee Town Council will manage the areas in the new Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. These were previously taken care of by town councils in Chua Chu Kang and Sembawang.

There were 13 town councils that were reconstituted, as some areas under their management became part of other towns after changes to electoral boundaries.

The management of these affected areas will be transferred to the reconstituted town councils with effect from Dec 1.

The MPs in charge of three town councils have requested changes to their names.

Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East will now be known as Aljunied-Hougang, following the Workers' Party's loss of the single-seat ward of Punggol East to the People's Action Party.

East Coast has been renamed East Coast-Fengshan, and Jurong will now be known as Jurong-Clementi.

There is no change for Tampines Town Council, as its land area remains unchanged.

In its statement, the MND said it "encourages all town councils to work together to ensure a smooth transition, so that the needs of all residents can continue to be served".