More help for new hawkers, studies on rising sea level among MEWR’s plans
SINGAPORE — From getting Singapore to a zero-waste future, to producing 30 per cent of the country's nutritional needs locally, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) has some busy years lined up ahead.
The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has other initiatives planned, including measures to help new hawkers and investments on drainage system works.
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SINGAPORE — From getting Singapore to a zero-waste future, to producing 30 per cent of the country's nutritional needs locally, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) has some busy years lined up ahead.
It also has other initiatives planned, including measures to help new hawkers and investments on drainage system works.
Here is a look at some of them.
1. MORE HELP FOR NEW HAWKERS
WHAT: The National Environment Agency (NEA) will be extending the discounted rental rate for hawkers under the Incubation Stall Programme by three months.
This means that incubation stallholders will get 50 per cent off their rental rates for a period of nine months, up from six months now.
WHY: Incubation stallholders gave feedback that they needed more time to establish their businesses and gauge if they are suitable for the trade.
Since its launch in late February last year, the programme has attracted more than 50 applicants applying for 15 incubation stalls.
WHEN: The extension has kicked in since the start of the month.
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2. NEW HAWKER CENTRE IN BUKIT BATOK
WHAT: A new hawker centre will be built in Bukit Batok town, located within an estate of assisted-living residential flats, said Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Environment and Water Resources.
WHY: This is part of the Government’s move to build 20 new hawker centres by 2027. So far, seven have been built.
WHEN: Dr Khor did not give a date to when the new hawker centre will be ready.
3. ENHANCING THE WATER SYSTEM
WHAT: The Government will be spending S$400 million over the next few years on drainage improvement works.
Upgrading works for the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal and Sungei Pandan Kechil are underway and will be completed this year. Drainage upgrading works to another 16 locations will also begin this year.
Singapore’s fourth and fifth desalination plants will be completed by 2020 and will be situated in Marina East and Jurong Island.
WHY: The security and resilience of Singapore’s water supply is crucial, said Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli in Parliament on Thursday (March 7).
“Since independence, there has been the perception that water could be used as leverage against Singapore. There have been threats to cut off our water supply,” he added.
WHEN: Projects to enhance the resilience of the country's water system are ongoing.
4. FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE
WHAT: The Centre for Climate Research Singapore will be kicking off the National Sea Level Programme, which will bring together research expertise to better understand sea-level science and how a rising sea level will impact Singapore.
WHY: The perennial issue of climate change — as well as rising sea levels — was mentioned by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat during his Budget speech last month, when he said that the Government will be investing more “to protect Singapore against climate change and rising sea levels”.
WHEN: The programme will start this year.
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