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Singapore housing plans face rally over forest redevelopment
The proposed projects would clear about 15 of 23 hectares at Maju Forest and at least 10 hectares near Gillman Barracks, according to the HDB.
Thousands of people in Singapore rallied on Sunday at Hong Lim Park to protest Housing Development Board (HDB) plans to build homes on two forested sites, arguing the government must better protect remaining mature greenery as the city state balances housing demand with conservation. Participants, including residents, nature lovers and conservation advocates, focused on proposed redevelopment affecting Maju Forest near Clementi’s Sunset Way and the greenery around Gillman Barracks. Many were dressed in red and green and handed out fliers with mock-ups intended to highlight what protesters say would be lost if the projects proceed without sufficient safeguards for green spaces. According to the SCMP Economy report, the HDB announced last month that it plans to build homes at Clementi’s Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks. The plans would involve clearance of some 15 of 23 hectares, or about 56.8 acres, of Maju forest, and at least 10 hectares of forest near Gillman Barracks.
In the background of the demonstrations is a long-running land-use debate, with activists pressing for conservation of mature forests, while the government argues that preserving more greenery would mean fewer homes for Singaporeans.