New social service office in Sembawang

SINGAPORE — Needy residents in Sembawang will find it easier to seek assistance, with the official opening of a Social Service Office (SSO) in the area.

The Sembawang office is the 21st to be opened, in line with the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s plans to set up 24 SSO offices by this year.

With the opening of the office at Block 315 Sembawang Vista, #01-173, residents will no longer have to go to Woodlands or Yishun to visit an SSO.

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who officiated the SSO’s opening yesterday, said: “(The SSO is) nearly at the centre of this growing Sembawang Town. We are just a five-minute walk from Sembawang MRT Station and bus interchange.”

Also present at the opening ceremony were Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin, North West District Mayor Teo Ho Pin and Dr Lim Wee Kiak, a Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC.

Since the Sembawang SSO began operating in mid-June, it has received about 200 walk-ins, said its general manager, Mr Ng Boon Hua.

Two of its beneficiaries are Mrs Charissa Cheng and her husband, who had just moved into their four-room flat in Sembawang.

Mrs Cheng, 30, was unable to work as she did not have anyone to look after her three children, while her husband was then waiting to have his taxi licence approved. The family sought help from the SSO, and they received S$1,000 for three months. “I’m very grateful for their help,” she said.