Chek Jawa reclamation decided after careful study

I REFER to Dr Geh Min's letter, 'Chek Jawa's natural beach should be preserved' (ST, July 16).

The letter highlighted the dilemma our planners face in trying to meet the pressures of physical development of Singapore to facilitate economic development, while trying to retain as much of our natural heritage as possible.

As a city-state, we also have to provide for other critical land-use needs, like water-catchment areas and military training grounds.

The reclamation that affects Tanjong Chek Jawa at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin was approved in 1992. The reclamation profile was subsequently reflected in the Development Guide Plan in 1997 and the Master Plan in 1998.

With public feedback that Pulau Ubin should remain as it is for now, the island has been largely zoned as 'open space and reserve land' in the 2001 Concept Plan.

This is a change from the 1991 Concept Plan, which envisaged housing on Pulau Ubin. With this change, Pulau Ubin will stay undeveloped for as long as possible.

However, the reclaimed land in Pulau Ubin which is reflected as 'reserve land' will be for the Ministry of Defence's military training use. This is part of a long-term plan to ensure that we have sufficient land for Mindef's training needs.

We would like to assure Dr Geh that the Government is mindful of the need to minimise the impact of reclamation on the environment where possible.

The Housing Board had therefore commissioned a study to determine the impact of the reclamation on dugongs.

The study concluded that the sea grass in the area is patchy and not abundant, and the area does not appear to have a resident population of dugongs. Hence, the reclamation would not have any significant impact on a dugong population.

In addition, the study concluded that the area does not have any established coral reefs or reef communities, nor would the conditions favour the development of such. Currently, the National Parks Board is also working on transplanting plants that will be affected by the reclamation work to other parts of the island.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has been looking at retaining features and places that reflect the identity of a place where these can be suitably integrated into the planning and development of an area. For instance, in the 2001 Concept Plan, the existing nature areas at Sungei Khatib Bongsu and Sungei China mangroves at Woodlands have been proposed to be integrated with parks.

It will be a constant challenge for the URA to satisfy the needs of Singaporeans for housing, work and recreation.

We thank Dr Geh for her feedback and interest in Singapore's physical development.

ANG HWEE SUAN
Head (Public Relations)
for Chief Executive Officer
Urban Redevelopment Authority