Residents told to clear out "farm" on state land

QX179R SG

SINGAPORE: The authorities are hoping to engage those who have been illegally using a plot of state land at Clementi Avenue 4.

Residents have been farming at the 1,800 square metre site for almost 30 years, but they are now being ordered by the Singapore Land Authority to move out by March 20.

And for residents like Lester Yeong, they are hoping that a compromise can be reached between the authorities and residents.

Mr Yeong and his family have been farming in the area for about two years. They spend about two to three hours daily at the plot and have planted about 20 species of fruits and vegetables there.

Mr Yeong said: "It's like a kampong and it is near where we stay. My kids come here every day after I return from work and they totally enjoy it. It's most unfortunate that a single incident has caused SLA to issue the encroachment notice. Right now, I have made an appeal to MP of Bukit Timah, Sim Ann, that we would very much like to continue with what we have been doing... and we are ready for any form of compromise. With compromise, I believe that it'll be a very valuable community farming area."

However, health issues are a concern.

A resident living in Clementi raised concerns a few weeks ago about leaves being burnt at the plot.

The burning had caused problems for her child who has asthma.

Aside from health concerns, the National Environment Agency is also worried about mosquito breeding.

And MP for the area, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC's Sim Ann, hopes those who have been using the plot will come forward to share their views with her.

Ms Sim said: "If they don't identify themselves, it's going to be very hard for us to represent their views when we engage with agencies such as the Singapore Land Authority and other concerned agencies such as the National Environment Agency. The SLA has also assured us that they will work with the community and stakeholders to come up with an arrangement that is for the greater community interest."

SLA said it will consider whether the plot should be used for some form of interim community use.

- CNA/fa

Emoslacker SG

10years later singapore will have no more "Nature Farm" no Kampong...

FireIce SG

let's see the power of sim ann now

SBS9252G SG

Hope that the farm won't be cleared....Power of Bukit Timah and Sim Ann...

TehJarVu SG

wat 1800 sqm of farm i wanna see!

Emoslacker SG

Hope that the farm won't be cleared....Power of Bukit Timah and Sim Ann...

This will not happen.... LOL

charlize SG

Clear away build more condos.

QX179R SG

Mixed reactions over illegal land use in Clementi

SINGAPORE: There has been mixed reactions from residents to the illegal use of land at Clementi Avenue 4.

Some in the area said they are concerned about their health due to smoke from burning vegetation while others said they like the kampong feel.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said the area was previously under Malaysia's KTM Berhad but it has since reverted to the State when the Singapore-Malaysia land swap deal was concluded.

SLA said it issues about 100 encroachment notices a year.

These range from unauthorised outdoor refreshment areas, illegal cultivation and unauthorised shrines, among others.

Other encroachments included illegal dumping and parts of building structures extending into State land such as boundary wall and chain link fence.

- CNA/fa

charlize SG

Times are bad.

FireIce SG

illegal use?

for so long no one said anything

now then wanna take it back?

Toiletries SG

I was just gonna say, clear out the Clementi resident who lodged the complaint but turns out there's quite a number who don't like the farming.

charlize SG

illegal use?

for so long no one said anything

now then wanna take it back?

If you want to use, you must pay for it.

QX179R SG

SLA grants extension to 'illegal farmers' in Clementi

SINGAPORE: Residents who have been illegally using State land at Clementi Avenue 4 for farming were given a reprieve on Tuesday.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has granted a three-month extension to those who have identified themselves.

They had originally been asked to vacate by March 20.

The land was formerly occupied by the Malaysian Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) but it has since been returned to Singapore.

So far, 13 individuals have come forward and they will work with grassroots organisations for an acceptable arrangement during the grace period.

The others have been given till April 3 to identify themselves.

The three months grace period will also be extended to them if they come forward between now and April 3.

If they do not do so, SLA said it will have no choice but to dismantle and remove the enclosed areas and illegal structures.

Measures are also in place to address health concerns, like mosquito breeding and the burning of leaves.

SLA said vector control has been carried out to prevent mosquito breeding in stagnant ponds and signs will be put up to warn the public of potential dangers such as potholes and ponds.

Advisory notices will also be put up against the illegal burning of leaves after some residents in nearby blocks had earlier complained that the burning had caused discomfort, especially for those with breathing problems.

SLA said the land has been reserved under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Master Plan 2008 but there are no immediate plans for the site.

The area's MP Sim Ann welcomed the move.

Earlier, on behalf of those using the land, Ms Sim had asked SLA for more time to resolve the matter.

Ms Sim said: "(It is) good of SLA to offer an extension to users who have identified themselves. I'm also very glad to know that the users are prepared to abide by all public health and safety regulations because that's important. The grassroots will use this time to consider views from the residents and see if we should apply for a temporary use of state land for community purposes, pending future plans for development."

SLA said it will step up surveillance of the area and work with grassroots and residents to detect illegal activities, like the burning of leaves.

It will continue to consult grassroots organisations on possible interim use of the land that will benefit the wider community.

It's understood that grassroots organisations are considering whether to take up a Temporary Occupational License for community use.

-- CNA

charlize SG

SLA grants extension to 'illegal farmers' in Clementi

SINGAPORE: Residents who have been illegally using State land at Clementi Avenue 4 for farming were given a reprieve on Tuesday.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has granted a three-month extension to those who have identified themselves.

-- CNA

Election coming.

Siliconchip SG

Stupid squatters.

QX179R SG

Clementi residents to get community farm in their backyard

SINGAPORE: Clementi residents will soon have a community farm in their backyard.

The Singapore Land Authority said it's processing an application from the Bukit Timah Citizens Consultative Committee for a three-year Temporary Occupation Licence for a plot of State land at Clementi Avenue 4 for the farm.

The 1,250 square metre plot, previously occupied by illegal farmers, is where the community farm will be.

The land will be divided into 30 plots.

Eighteen individuals who had been working on the land had come forward to SLA before the April 3 deadline, and will now get a 32-square metre plot on which to grow their produce.

Priority for the other plots will be given to residents living in the area.

Users of the community farm will pay an annual maintenance fee of S$60 to defray costs.

Farmers will also get water supply and a temporary footpath will be constructed.

MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Sim Ann, who is also MP for the area, said: "Arising from feedback from the residents, we feel that this project can be integrated with a temporary footpath that links Block 305 all the way to the Ulu Pandan Park Connector, which is where many of our residents go for jogging and for walks. And I think this footpath, because it's integrated with the community garden, will also allow residents to access and to admire, the plants and the crops that the farmers are cultivating."

- CNA/fa

Ito_^ SG

wah. first time PAP MP useful.

charlize SG

Stupid squatters.

Everybody needs a place to live.

charlize SG

Build more condos so that can huat some more.