Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Rationale for Relocation of Central Manpower Base

Mr Pritam Singh: To ask the Minister for Defence (a) what is the anticipated cost of the move of Central Manpower Base (CMPB) to its new premises near the upcoming Cashew MRT station; (b) what factors compel the Ministry to move CMPB to a new location; and (c) whether the Ministry has considered any other cost-effective alternatives before deciding on the construction of a new CMPB.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: CMPB began operations in its current location at Depot Road Camp since 1989. Over the years, it was found necessary to include other departments, such as the SAF Career Centre and Defence Psychology Department, to be at CMPB to centralise facilities to better serve pre-enlistees. However, due to space constraints, important departments, such as the SAF Military Medicine Institute, where medical specialists assess pre-enlistees for medical conditions, had to be located elsewhere. The segregation of needed services due to inadequate space at the current CMPB is not ideal for pre-enlistees and NSmen. MINDEF therefore reviewed possible sites for a one-stop centre that meet the needs of pre-enlistees and NSmen.

The Gombak Base was assessed to be the best available site to house CMPB and related agencies. The new CMPB site was also chosen as it will provide greater convenience and accessibility due to its proximity to the upcoming Cashew MRT station.  Overall, the new CMPB at Gombak will provide more integrated and efficient services relating to National Service, human resource, finance and medical screening for our pre-enlistees and NSmen.

MINDEF is planning to call a public tender for the new integrated CMPB by early 2016, where costs will be made known.