Jurong Town Council Alleged Corrupt Practices Are NOT TRUE

I refer to recent Internet report(s)/comment(s) on "Possible Corrupt Practice within Jurong Town Council". As Chairman of Jurong Town Council Tenders & Contracts Committee, I would like to state clearly that these allegations are UNTRUE.

--- Chua Lew Kee, Chairman, Tenders & Contracts Committee, Jurong Town Council

UNTRUE allegation #1 - Alleged Conflict of Interest with regards to Mr Ho Thian Poh in the award of tender.

The Facts: The General Manager, Mr Ho Thian Poh, is not authorised to approve any tender award. There is no conflict of interest. Jurong Town Council follows a stringent process before approving any contract. The Tenders Committee comprising Town Councillors will evaluate all tenders and the entire Council then reviews their recommendations for approval.

UNTRUE allegation #2 - Alleged corruption involving Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) at Block 327 Jurong East Street 31.

The Facts: The allegations are false. It is HDB that manages the LUP, not Jurong Town Council. Decisions on which contractor to appoint and how the work is to be done are decided by HDB. While it is all right to voice unhappiness over any matter regarding LUP works such as asking why the re-laying of tiles and why the perceived long programme schedule, but one should not resort to libellous allegations.

UNTRUE allegation #3 – Alleged unfairness in the award of LED lighting project awarded to UGL Premas and Aztech

The Facts: The LED tender went through the same rigorous process of evaluation by the Town Council Tenders Committee as in the case of other tenders. Prior to any tender exercise, members of the Tenders Committee are briefed on the need to invite tenders and the tender requirements to ensure there is fair play. If the managing agent wanted to participate in any tender, it would have to declare its intention in advance to the Chairman of the Town Council. The public tender for the LED project attracted many contractors. As it was a major project, the evaluation panel included representatives from the HDB and the Town Council. The Tenders Committee also took the further step of visiting the factories of the short-listed companies. Their recommendations was evaluated and approved by the Council.

UNTRUE allegation #4 – Alleged renovation works carried out by Jurong Town Council for a resident in Bukit Batok East, who later sold the flat.

The Facts: The Town Council did not carry out any renovation for any resident. The case referred to was an unfortunate fire case where the family needed financial help in repairing the damage. Various agencies including town council chipped in to assist the family on compassionate ground. I understand that the family is still occupying the flat.

In Jurong Town Council, we work hard to serve our residents. We have put in place a fair and robust system for tenders & contracts to secure cost-effective solutions.

Yours Sincerely,

Chua Lew Kee

Chairman, Tenders & Contracts Committee, Jurong Town Council