Tan Kiat How on issuing Temporary Occupation Licences for sea spaces

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) can grant Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) for Singapore’s foreshore and seabed for any period not exceeding a year. If development work is to be done in the TOL area, the applicant must carry out an in-depth consultation with agencies such as the National Parks Board, National Environment Agency, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Singapore Food Agency. The agencies will consider the impact of the development, determine if an environmental study needs to be done and require the necessary mitigation measures to be put in place. SLA will only issue the TOL after the necessary clearances from the technical agencies and Urban Redevelopment Authority have been obtained. Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How gave these details in Parliament on Thursday (Jul 6) in answer to an MP’s questions. He said in the long term, most of the sea space within Singapore’s port limits will continue to be used by the maritime industry and for port activities, which are important enablers of the economy. However, the authorities will still plan for other important uses such as aquaculture, utilities and recreation, and ensure that these are carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner.