Tracy Quek, Straits Times 1 Feb 08;
LESSONS learnt from building an eco-city in Tianjin can be adopted in Singapore.
Similarly, what will be done in Singapore, under a new inter-ministry committee on sustainable development, can be modified for use in the project jointly developed by China and Singapore.
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan told reporters yesterday that while 'Singapore has done a lot over the past 40 years to achieve a balance between growth and environmental protection, times have changed and we can do a lot more'.
Mr Mah jointly chairs the committee on sustainable development with Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the committee last week and said that the panel would work across government agencies to keep Singapore's economy growing in an environmentally sound way.
Mr Mah said the committee will 'take stock of what we've done, look at new challenges posed by climate change, by a growing economy, and a growing population given our limited resources'.
It will then develop new policies that aim to 'persuade people to do more to change their habits, the way they live, work, how they go to work and how they play'.
This could mean new infrastructure, railway lines, types of buildings and facilities in neighbourhoods that will encourage recycling, and better use of public transport, Mr Mah said.
Achieving sustainable development in Singapore will give the country a 'competitive edge' and allow it to use its experience as part of its 'contribution to sustainable development to other cities around the world', he added.
TRACY QUEK
