By Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia, 8 Apr 08
SINGAPORE: The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city Joint Working Committee has approved the draft master plan for the Tianjin eco-city submitted by the combined team from Singapore and China.
The committee is co-chaired by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and China's Vice-Minister for Housing and Rural-Urban Construction, Qiu Baoxing.
The team's proposal, which will be released by the Tianjin government for public consultation in mid-April, has been given the go-ahead by the committee.
The plan incorporates natural existing conditions of the site, such as wetlands and rivers. It will also include a mix of commercial, residential and business park developments.
The proposed city will also have a comprehensive public transport network that features an LRT line, buses and extensive cycling and foot paths.
Buildings will be erected using environmentally-safe standards and the use of renewable energy will also be promoted. - CNA/vm
