SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan says a major shift in planning and development strategy to invest ahead of demand will ensure Singapore remains a liveable city for future generations.
He was speaking in Parliament on Wednesday as debate continues on the Population White Paper and Land Use Plan.
Mr Khaw gave the assurance that there will be enough affordable homes for Singaporeans and an even better quality living environment.
He also responded to the opposition Workers' Party proposal to freeze the foreign worker population immediately and for eight years.
Mr Khaw said that will affect plans to build the 200,000 homes over the next four years.
He added the Workers' Party's hope that Singaporeans will jump in to augment the pool of construction workers is also not realistic.
In the long term, the government plans to build another 500,000 homes.
Mr Khaw reiterated that he will continue de-linking the prices of new HDB flats from the resale market to keep prices stable.
On concerns about the quality of life and living space, with a projected increase in population, Mr Khaw painted a picture of what the future living environment in the country could look like.
He cited the example of Punggol South, where green, open spaces and recreational facilities are integrated into the estate.
Mr Khaw said Singapore's future will not be a concrete-jungle, but Punggol "multiplied many times" and even better.
For example, improved estate layout, common spaces, with air flow, landscaping and connectivity between spaces.
Mr Khaw added the 6.9 million projected population is a stretched scenario, and it is hoped that Singapore will never reach this level.
But the minister stressed that it is safer to prepare enough land and infrastructure for a larger number.
He said: "That is why we plan long term, anticipate problems and try to nip them in the bud. That is why we put out these two reports, because we know if our demographic challenges are not dealt with properly, our children will suffer.
"We cannot simply pretend these challenges do not exist. We cannot simply pass them to future generations to deal with. That will be irresponsible, and that is not our style."
In the long term, new technology such as going underground is also being explored.
Mr Khaw said he is chairing an inter-ministerial committee to study and coordinate underground developments to ensure authorities can seize opportunities and create the most optimal outcome for Singaporeans.
Mr Khaw said: "This government is and will always be on the side of Singaporeans. The scenarios sketched in the Population White Paper are not blindly pro-business or pro-growth.
"It is you - Singaporeans - who are at the centre of our planning and policies: your well-being, your security, the quality of your lives. People first, not growth first - that is the key thread which runs consistently through the Population White Paper and the Land Use Plan. Please read them closely and see for yourself."
- CNA/ir
Cities can be great, given good planning & infrastructure: Khaw
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Cities can be great, given good planning & infrastructure: Khaw
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Cities can be great, given good planning & infrastructure: Khaw
