Action taken over illegal use of state land: SLA

The SLA will seek views of grassroots groups on possible interim useof land for community
Letter from Julia Poh Head, Corporate Communications Singapore Land Authority
Today Online 17 Mar 12;

We refer to the letter, "Illegal use of State land for almost 30 years?", from M Lukshumayeh (Today, 16 March 2012).

The State land near Blk 305 Clementi Avenue 4 was part of the land formerly occupied by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) which has reverted to the State.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) had recently received feedback from the residents in the vicinity about the frequent burning of branches and leaves, which not only affects the air quality but also poses a potential fire hazard.

Upon inspection, we found that some individuals have not only encroached on State land for their own personal use, but also erected illegal structures. Some have fenced up parcels of land and padlocked them for their exclusive use.

The illegal structures include make-shift sheds and a toilet.

SLA officers also found several ponds with stagnant water, which are potential mosquito breeding grounds. (Please see http://www.sla.gov.sg/htm/new/new10.htm)

In the interests of the residents living in the area, the Government's immediate priority is to stop the burning of leaves, and to commence vector control measures.

SLA would also like to emphasise that State land belongs to all Singaporeans. Individuals cannot simply lay claim on State land for their private use.

As for the "kampong/farm" use of the land suggested by the writer, SLA understands that the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC's Bukit Timah Division already has a community garden at Block 307, and a new one is being planned for nearby.

SLA will seek and consider the views of the grassroots organisations, and determine whether the land near Blk 305 can be put up for interim use and managed by the grassroots organisations for the benefit of the wider community.

Illegal use of State land for almost 30 years?
Letter from M Lukshumayeh
Today Online 16 Mar 12

I REFER to the report "Residents illegally using State land in Clementi must own up" (March 14).

It is puzzling that, despite the illegal use of State land at Clementi Avenue 4 for almost 30 years, the authorities had not acted any earlier till a resident complained about burning leaves a few weeks ago.

The National Environment Agency's concern is about mosquito breeding, while the Singapore Land Authority is concerned about the illegal use of State land.

Why did these agencies not act before the complaint by the resident about burning leaves, taking into account the concerns?

Were the agencies and the grassroots organisations of Holland-Bukit Timah all unaware of the farming activities taking place on the said land?

Whatever it may be, the kampung/farm use of the land should be supported and preserved.