Assoc Prof Lim then asked about the mechanisms to ensure that governmental agency JTC Corporation complies with the government’s stipulations on the importation of sand.
He also echoed Mr Ng in seeking a broader framework for the acquisition of sand.
“I think what we want to avoid is a situation where we get just all the valid paperwork, but we violate the spirit of acquiring sand in an ethical fashion,” added Assoc Prof Lim.
Mr Lee told the House that JTC and other agencies procure sand on a commercial basis from operators, and there are requirements in tender specifications that these operators comply with certain rules and regulations – particularly those of the source country.
Ms He sought clarification on how often Singapore agencies conduct checks with their overseas counterparts on imported sand, and what triggers these checks.
She further questioned if Singapore’s current regime is strict enough to ensure that illegal mining and smuggling of sand do not take place when sand is exported to Singapore.
Mr Lee reiterated Singapore’s safeguards, adding that agencies will “look out for and receive information from a variety of sources if there is a sense of non-compliance” with contractual or regulatory rules.
ENVIRONMENTAL, POPULATION IMPACT
Apart from this, Mr Ng and Dr Lim Wee Kiak (PAP-Sembawang) asked about the possible environmental impact of Long Island, while Ms Cheryl Chan (PAP-East Coast) asked about the considerations for population and developmental planning along East Coast Parkway.
Mr Lee said that as with all other land reclamation projects, detailed environmental studies will be conducted to assess the environmental impact of Long Island before the government proceeds with the project.
He added: “These studies will take into account surrounding marine habitats, including intertidal flats and coral communities.
“We will also explore ways to incorporate nature-based solutions into the design of Long Island to minimise the environmental impact of the reclamation, as we mitigate the effects of sea-level rise.”
Before reclamation works begin, the government will engage the nature community, academics and the public for feedback on the environmental studies and mitigation studies.
As for the impact of planned developments at East Coast Parkway, Mr Lee said that the key considerations are the need for coastal protection for the low-lying East Coast area due to future sea-level rise, as well as the need to create more land to meet Singapore’s longer-term developmental needs.
He added that agencies will, at a later stage, undertake further studies to ensure the area is well-developed.