Letter to the Editor | Buildings built for commercial or sports purposes should balance the considerations of the ecosystem

Dear Editor,

I refer to the report, ”Building resilience in cities needs the efforts of residents, not just governments: Panel“ (TODAY, August 2).

It is interesting to learn that speakers from respective cities discussed the importance of resilience in the face of climate change at the World Cities Summit 2022 held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore from 31 July to 3 Aug.

And the valuable views and pragmatic experiences of the mayors from various cities have broadened our horizons, and we should explore and tap the relevance into Singapore’s context.

One of the areas we should critically look at is: tackling flash floods in several areas during monsoon season’s Intense or torrential rain. For example, on March 7 afternoon 3.20pm, flash floods occurred at Jurong East Street 32 and at Enterprise Road at 4.05pm, along Old Choa Chu Kang Road at about 3.45pm.

Flood risk warnings were also issued for several locations including Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1, Teck Whye Lane, Woodlands Road, International Road, Wan Lee Road, Jalan Boon Lay, Second Chin Bee Road and Jalan Tukang.

Another area we should look at is, how to preserve our young secondary forests (such as
Clementi Forest, Dover West Forest and Thomson Nature Park) and their biodiversities as well as strike a healthy balance between public housing, residential projects and nature.

It is sad to see 33 hectares of Dover East Forest (which is about eight times the size of the Padang) vanished or had been earmarked for housing development plus nature in the nearer term.

Nonetheless, any buildings which will be built for commercial or sports purposes in the future should balance the considerations of the ecosystem, logistical convenience, noise pollution, economic pragmatism and safety aspects.

Teo Kueh Liang