A scheme to help the needy by putting some cash in their hands — and, in the process, help them pay service and conservancy charges (S&CC) arrears — was launched yesterday in the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency.
Under it, some unemployed residents would be hired temporarily by the town council to do odd jobs around the estate, such as checking corridor lights, as well as the lights and buttons in lifts.
The Progress Scheme was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu during her ministerial walkabout in the Jalan Kayu Division of Ang Mo Kio GRC. The Ang Mo Kio Town Council and the Central Singapore Community Development Council would manage the scheme. They would identify odd jobs around the estate that need doing and match these to the unemployed residents, as well as split the S$70,000 tab for the scheme.
The scheme would target residents who owe more than six months of S&CC charges and have difficulty finding jobs. For their work, the residents will receive up to S$310 per month, of which 60 per cent will go towards paying their arrears. The remaining amount will be given to them in cash.
A spokesman for the town council said that, so far, 36 residents are on board the scheme. The target is to have 200 participating households.
No figures were immediately available on the total number of unemployed residents in Ang Mo Kio GRC who are in arrears for more than six months.
Ang Mo Kio GRC Member of Parliament Intan Mokhtar said the scheme would encourage needy residents to be “self reliant and independent”.
She said: “It’s a way to help them mitigate the arrears. Because they are unemployed, if they don’t find a way to pay off the arrears, (the arrears) will build up ... and at the same time, give them some pocket money to tide them over from day to day.”
http://therealsingapore.com/content...sidents-odd-jobs-if-they-cant-pay-their-bills
Under it, some unemployed residents would be hired temporarily by the town council to do odd jobs around the estate, such as checking corridor lights, as well as the lights and buttons in lifts.
The Progress Scheme was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu during her ministerial walkabout in the Jalan Kayu Division of Ang Mo Kio GRC. The Ang Mo Kio Town Council and the Central Singapore Community Development Council would manage the scheme. They would identify odd jobs around the estate that need doing and match these to the unemployed residents, as well as split the S$70,000 tab for the scheme.
The scheme would target residents who owe more than six months of S&CC charges and have difficulty finding jobs. For their work, the residents will receive up to S$310 per month, of which 60 per cent will go towards paying their arrears. The remaining amount will be given to them in cash.
A spokesman for the town council said that, so far, 36 residents are on board the scheme. The target is to have 200 participating households.
No figures were immediately available on the total number of unemployed residents in Ang Mo Kio GRC who are in arrears for more than six months.
Ang Mo Kio GRC Member of Parliament Intan Mokhtar said the scheme would encourage needy residents to be “self reliant and independent”.
She said: “It’s a way to help them mitigate the arrears. Because they are unemployed, if they don’t find a way to pay off the arrears, (the arrears) will build up ... and at the same time, give them some pocket money to tide them over from day to day.”
http://therealsingapore.com/content...sidents-odd-jobs-if-they-cant-pay-their-bills
