http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/arch...e-sla-20130418
Published April 18, 2013
No plans to develop Ubin in near future: SLA
Residents who want to stay on island can apply for temporary occupation licence
By nathaniel chew
THERE are no plans for the development of state-owned Pulau Ubin land for the foreseeable future.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said yesterday that it planned to keep the island "in its rustic state for as long as possible", to serve as an "outdoor playground" for Singapore.
In the current Master Plan 2008 by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Pulau Ubin is largely zoned for use as an open space, sports and recreation, and reserve site. Under the latest Land Use Plan for 2030 and beyond, the island retains this zoning.
Parts of the island are also safeguarded as nature areas in the Parks and Waterbodies Plan.
Confusion over the island's future arose when several residents received notices from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) which informed them of a census survey and mentioned the development of an adventure park.
This was a plan for development of the land made in 1993, and the HDB has acknowledged the notice could have been clearer.
The plan for Pulau Ubin has since evolved into the nature and recreational destination it is today. The expansion of recreational facilities, such as cycling trails and camping grounds, were the extent of developments to the land, and they were carried out to "allow more people to explore the island and enjoy its natural landscape", the SLA said.
The 22 households currently residing in the affected area will not be evicted from their homes. Should they wish to stay at their residences, they can apply for a temporary occupation licence (TOL) from the SLA.
Under the TOL, residents will rent their land from the state. To ease their financial burden, the TOL fees will be implemented gradually over five years.
Estimated fees for the first year range from $6 to $35 per month, with 90 per cent of households expected to pay less than $20 monthly. In the sixth year, when the full amount is charged, estimated fees will be from $31 to $205 per month, with 90 per cent of households paying under $120 per month.
The TOL requirement will take effect only after the HDB completes the distribution of resettlement benefits. It is now conducting a census survey to determine the eligibility of residents for these benefits, which it plans to complete by June.
Reply With Quote
