SINGAPORE: Singapore must be prepared to embark on projects that take decades to bear fruit, and have the political will and the resources to follow through, said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee
on Thursday (Feb 20).
Speaking at the CNA Summit at Pan Pacific Singapore, he said such projects are not easy, and they take time, effort and resources to overcome complex technical
challenges.
“Yet we pursue them because the long-term benefits are clear. They transform constraints such as land scarcity into catalysts for forward-thinking urban solutions and sustainable growth,” said Mr Lee.
For example, “Long Island” – Singapore’s “ambitious” plan to develop its southeastern coast – will protect the low-lying area against rising sea levels.
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The plan will also make space for future needs such as housing, recreation and jobs, as well as a new reservoir to enhance Singapore’s water security, said Mr Lee.
“It will take many decades to complete; we’ve just started. But we have to start coastal protection work now, because the price of delay or failure will be too high for future generations to bear,” he added.
Having the political will and resources to follow through on projects is one of the four key approaches driving Singapore’s strategies to overcome its constraints, Mr Lee noted.
Singapore also brings agencies and stakeholders together to execute and implement plans effectively – preparing the land, putting in infrastructure and addressing pain points as the projects roll
out, he added.
Even while the government plans for the long term, it should stay nimble and agile, refreshing its plans to keep pace with new developments, said Mr Lee.
“This was particularly important during black swan events like the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to find land and adapt spaces for additional medical facilities, for dorms and other urgent users,” he added.
Three factors also enable Singapore to turn its vision into reality, said the minister.
Pushing boundaries in using technology, artificial intelligence and digital tools contributes to more efficient planning, designing and building, said Mr Lee.
The government must also engage the public and its stakeholders extensively, he added, noting that it conducts briefings, dialogues, town halls and more to develop plans with the public.
Source: CNA
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