Let's talk, SLA tells farmers

It is giving those told to vacate state land a chance to discuss issue
Grace Chua Straits Times 14 Mar 12;

THE group of residents who have been farming on a patch of state land in Clementi Avenue 4 may now get a little breathing room.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which last week issued an eviction notice on the illegal vegetable garden, is now asking these farmers to come forward to discuss the issue.

If they fail to do this by March 20, their vegetable patches, the sheds and other structures there will be cleared.

An SLA spokesman said it has no choice but to do this, because public health and safety issues - from mosquitoes and air pollution from the burning of leaves on the site - have been raised.

So far, three families have identified themselves.

Meanwhile, Ms Sim Ann, the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament overseeing the area, has offered to mediate.

Yesterday, she showed reporters round the 1,800 sq m of vegetable patches, pointing out potential mosquito breeding grounds and imploring the farmers to step forward.

'If they don't do so, it'll be quite hard for us to represent their views,' she said.

The SLA, which has no immediate plans for that tract of state land, also wants to hear from the area's grassroots groups on whether parts of the land can be used in the interim for the enjoyment of the residents.

'If the grassroots organisations require more time to discuss this with residents, the SLA is prepared to consider,' an SLA spokesman said.

The SLA said it oversees 270 community-use sites islandwide, though none of these is used for farms or gardens.

The Clementi case is one of the first high-profile run-ins between a government agency and illegal farmers in almost a decade; the last known case was of a farm in Neo Tiew which was told to go.

The Clementi patchwork of farms, sitting on land almost two football fields in length, is bounded by a portion of the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu railway line, the Sungei Ulu Pandan canal, Clementi Avenue 4 and Clementi Avenue 6.

A week ago, the SLA posted a letter on sheds and other structures there, asking the users to dismantle them by March 20 or face enforcement action. No invitation to discuss the issue was offered then.

Yesterday, the SLA said that, aside from asking the farmers to come forward by March 20, it would give them 'a reasonable period of time' to dismantle and remove the structures and other items.

Its spokesman did not elaborate.

The area has been cultivated by various residents for some 30 years. Most of the 20 or so farmers are not in it for profit, but just for the exercise and the fruits of their labour, which include jackfruit, chilli and sweet potato.

But some residents have complained of smoke from the leaves that are burned regularly on site.

Kindergarten teacher Ng Ang Mui, 48, who lives in Block 305, said her two children have asthma and her mother was having problems breathing.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Ms Sim said public health was her priority: 'Let's just settle the public-health concerns first - and that really concerns everyone, not just the residents nearby but also the people using this piece of land. The rest, we'll have to figure it out along the way.'

Mr Lester Yeong, 35, whose retired father farms a patch on the site, has offered to speak for the farmers. He and others have proposed to the SLA that farming be allowed to carry on until plans are made for the land, and that the farmers pay a nominal fee for a temporary occupancy permit.

His father's vegetable patch is fenced up, but he said he would not mind opening up the garden to public access.

Meanwhile, members of the public have written in to The Straits Times, some opposed to the farming and others backing it for the 'charm' it gives the neighbourhood.

Retiree Lee Ter Kiah, 70, said the 'dirty and unsightly' farms should make way for a park where people can take strolls.

Clementi resident Lin Shuli, a 22-year-old sociology undergraduate who is studying the farmers for a term paper on ageing, said: 'I understand the farmers have occupied the land illegally, but I urge the authorities to consider preserving this community - and even help the elderly to build on their hobby.'

They could, for example, make compost instead of burning vegetable matter, she said, adding: 'These plots of land are what give them a sense of purpose in their silver years.'

Residents told to clear out "farm" on state land
Olivia Siong Channel NewsAsia 13 Mar 12;

SINGAPORE: The authorities are hoping to engage those who have been illegally using a plot of state land at Clementi Avenue 4.

Residents have been farming at the 1,800 square metre site for almost 30 years, but they are now being ordered by the Singapore Land Authority to move out by March 20.

And for residents like Lester Yeong, they are hoping that a compromise can be reached between the authorities and residents.

Mr Yeong and his family have been farming in the area for about two years. They spend about two to three hours daily at the plot and have planted about 20 species of fruits and vegetables there.

Mr Yeong said: "It's like a kampong and it is near where we stay. My kids come here every day after I return from work and they totally enjoy it. It's most unfortunate that a single incident has caused SLA to issue the encroachment notice. Right now, I have made an appeal to MP of Bukit Timah, Sim Ann, that we would very much like to continue with what we have been doing... and we are ready for any form of compromise. With compromise, I believe that it'll be a very valuable community farming area."

However, health issues are a concern.

A resident living in Clementi raised concerns a few weeks ago about leaves being burnt at the plot.

The burning had caused problems for her child who has asthma.

Aside from health concerns, the National Environment Agency is also worried about mosquito breeding.

And MP for the area, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC's Sim Ann, hopes those who have been using the plot will come forward to share their views with her.

Ms Sim said: "If they don't identify themselves, it's going to be very hard for us to represent their views when we engage with agencies such as the Singapore Land Authority and other concerned agencies such as the National Environment Agency. The SLA has also assured us that they will work with the community and stakeholders to come up with an arrangement that is for the greater community interest."

SLA said it will consider whether the plot should be used for some form of interim community use.

- CNA/fa