Balance between progress, preservation is possible
I refer to the commentary “Moving from tension to symbiosis in a distinctive city” (Aug 4).
It is not easy for land-scarce Singapore to achieve speedy economic development and simultaneously maintain the honour of being a well-known garden city with a rich cultural heritage and modern landscape. Meticulous planning is indeed vital.
For decades, Singaporeans have been generally aware of and willing to accept acquisition of private lands for national development purposes. Of course, their expectations of the Government are now higher; to some extent, people are seeking greater transparency in policies.
Similarly, Singaporeans feel that rapid immigration would affect them variously and widely, hence they perceive that they have a say in this issue and consultation must be sought.
Singapore can strike a rational balance between economic progress and retaining its environment and identity. One does not have to trump the other.
Good urban policies can optimise land use to achieve economic goals and balance out or reduce the environmental impact, for the interests and rights of the stakeholders involved.
Besides Singapore’s water policy, Jurong Island’s mega petrochemical complex and Changi Airport are good examples of optimal economic decisions and excellent governance despite the pressing land constraints.
Such policy formulation and implementation requires a strong, capable government to enforce, monitor and review in order to succeed.
Although policymakers are nowadays under pressure to produce results faster, it may take years to see the tangible and intangible benefits of many policies.
I believe Singapore’s policymakers have the wisdom and vision, and are trying their best to reconcile the long-term and short-term objectives of policy strategies, and to strike a balance between economic progress and the preservation of environmental and cultural heritage.
