SINGAPORE: Singapore does not have to sacrifice
green spaces to be a beautiful and sustainable city, said
Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian
Balakrishnan.
He added Singapore can become a role model for the
world to achieve this.
Dr Balakrishnan was speaking to the media during his
visit to the Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre on Sunday morning
to unveil a new lift for the centre.
He said high density living is the most sustainable and green way
of life on the planet and which Singapore can take the lead.
He said: "The most amazing thing about Singapore is that almost
half of our land is covered in green. But equally, you realise that
this has been achieved because we have been able to go high-rise.
Because so many of us live in apartments, and that also give the
fantastic landscape, cityscape of Singapore and the bright lights
at night.
"So the point I'm making is we have to stop thinking in terms of
zero-sum games, that I can only have this or that and not go, but
to actually exercise imagination and to make it even better."
On Sunday morning, Dr Balakrishnan, who is the adviser to the Bukit
Timah Grassroots Organisations and the area's MP Sim Ann unveiled a
new lift for the centre, which they hope will provide easy access
for customers and stall holders with heavy goods.
Ms Ann said: "We do have a number of elderly residents and it is a
mature estate and I think for them to climb up and down the stairs
especially after having done their shopping is not very convenient.
Some of them have also told me it is quite painful to do that, so I
think with the lift, it improves the situation."
Dr Balakrishnan said the government has improved this food centre
over the years based on feedback from patrons and stall holders and
will continue to do so.
He added that Singapore will need many more of such places with an
authentic identity of its own.
Dr Balakrishnan said hawker centres can be cosy and unique places
within the high density urban environment Singapore is moving
towards.
His vision of the city, he said, is to make most things, including
school, eating places and work, within a walking range of up to 400
or 500 metres.
On the negative reactions from some Singaporeans towards the
Population White Paper, Dr Balakrishnan said the high level of
emotions is a good thing as it shows Singaporeans care deeply about
the country.
He said: "Well, actually part of me is actually quite glad because
it shows that the people loves Singapore, people care deeply about
the future, care deeply about what happens to our identity our
children our livelihood and to our senior citizens. So the level of
emotions to me is a good thing. I would be far more worried if
people say I don't care, so let's recognise and give credit to
Singaporeans for that. That we all care and care very
deeply."
He added: "At the end of the day, the government has to do the
right thing for the long term good of our people but has to
convince our people. If we cannot convince people, then these plans
will not work."
- CNA/fa
