RN Objectives
Residents’ Networks (RNs) were set up in 2018 to promote greater social mixing between residents across all ages, races and all estates. Like the Residents’ Committees (RC) and Neighborhood Committees (NC), RNs promote neighborliness, social cohesion and acts as a bridge between the people and the Government.
By working closely with the government agencies and community partners, RNs help residents know one another better, seek to understand local needs, concerns, and aspirations, as well as help communicate government messages.
The functions of the RNs are to:
- To promote neighborliness, social cohesion among residents from the public and private housing estates of the Designated Zone;
- To liaise with and make recommendations to governmental authorities on the needs and aspirations of residents of the Designated Zone;
- To disseminate information and channel feedback on government policies and actions from residents of the Designated Zone; and
- To promote good citizenship among residents of the Designated Zone.
RC Objectives
The Resident' Committees (RCs) were introduced in 1978 to promote neighbourliness, racial harmony and community cohesiveness amongst residents within their respective RC zones in Housing and Development Board estates.
- Run by residents for residents, RCs also work closely with other grassroots organisations like the Citizens' Consultative Committees and various government agencies to improve the physical environment and safety of their respective precincts
- Liaise with and make recommendations to government authorities on the needs and aspirations of residents;
- Disseminate information and gather feedback on government policies and actions from residents and
- Promote good citizenship amongst residents
History
Residents' Committees (RCs) in Singapore began as an experiment with the concept of residents' organisations with the support of the Member of Parliament of Marine Parade Constituency in 1977.
When this scheme was assessed to be useful, it was then introduced to five other constituencies - Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Boon Lay, Kolam Ayer and Toa Payoh - between July and October 1978.
From the start, RCs came under the purview of the Prime Minister's Office which established the Residents' Committees Central and Group Secretariats to provide advice and administrative support. In 1993, support for the RCs was transferred to the People's Association (PA) under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development.
Between 1975 and March 1982, 230 RCs were formed in 69 constituencies in Singapore. According to the PA website, there was a total of 541 RCs established as of 1st August 2001.
