"Generally, we face uncertainty about the future. We are not sure if we will be given a stall in the new canteen 10 months later. So far, I have not yet heard any confirmations yet. I heard from some that there will be some pushcarts selling food at forum during the 10 months period. However, we were unaware of this and they have yet informed us of  the possibility of applying license to run the pushcart.

As such, I feel that I should make my own plans for my future first. I am planning to seek temporarily employment elsewhere. I cannot just simply sit here and wait for their news. Thus, I will be most probably be working and this could at least provide me with some security."

Chicken Rice, Mr Tang Boon Hock:

"It is good that this place will be renovated because the leaking is quite bad. However, we are quite uncertain of the future. Our business here is not very good and we have not been offered a place in the new canteen. We would like to come back, but we have not gotten an answer from the authorities after writing in."

       Needless to say, the role of the villain has unfortunately fallen on the shoulders of the OED due to some baseless rumours. As such, HOOKED spoke to Miss Ong Sock Hwee (Manager, Dining Services) once again, to clarify some student concerns.

And the good news is that ... we have plenty of good news to report!

       It seems that the OED is working overtime to churn out a number of preventive measures to ensure that the Arts appetites are sufficiently satiated.

       First up, Miss Ong Sock Hwee assured us with a chuckle that the much-loved Yong Tau Foo stall (which may also have been the singular cause for widespread dismay) would "definitely be returning to the renovated Deck."

       However, although the OED is aware of students' requests for temporary stalls in the Forum, the National Environment Agency (NEA) requires current stallholders at The Deck to apply for a license before they can operate a pushcart. Furthermore, the lack of a sewage system or proper cooking stoves at the Forum makes it impossible for temporary stalls to be set up there.

       So, the million-dollar question still remains - what measures will be taken to ensure that the two thousand odd (or so) Arts students who patronize The Deck not be left with rumbling stomachs?

       Miss Ong confirmed that the dining halls of Temasek and Eusoff Halls will start serving lunch. Together, the two halls will be able to accommodate about 500 students. Combined with the 300 temporary seats which will be installed at the Forum, the seating space should not be greatly affected by the closure of The Deck.

       To further ensure that there will be no sudden onset of malnourishment among NUS students, the OED also confirmed that it has been approaching vendors to increase the number of pushcarts and food wagons at the Forum. That means more food, so hurray!

       And to round up the whole deal, takeaway items will also be increased at ALL food and beverage outlets. Currently, the OED is also in talks with the Business canteen about setting up an express counter outside the canteen to sell solely takeaway items. Certainly good news for busy students who just need to grab a bite!

Will the grumbling and rumbling of stomachs ever cease?

       Perhaps the best piece of advice to stick with is best summed up by Miss Ong, "There will never be a right time to renovate The Deck.. so let's just make do with these few months of inconvenience for greater long term benefits!" hookED

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