Mixed reactions over illegal land use in Clementi

Lim Wee Leng, Karen Ng Channel NewsAsia 14 Mar 12;

SINGAPORE: There has been mixed reactions from residents to the illegal use of land at Clementi Avenue 4.

Some in the area said they are concerned about their health due to smoke from burning vegetation while others said they like the kampong feel.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said the area was previously under Malaysia's KTM Berhad but it has since reverted to the State when the Singapore-Malaysia land swap deal was concluded.

SLA said it issues about 100 encroachment notices a year.

These range from unauthorised outdoor refreshment areas, illegal cultivation and unauthorised shrines, among others.

Other encroachments included illegal dumping and parts of building structures extending into State land such as boundary wall and chain link fence.

- CNA/fa

Only 3 'farmers' have come forward
Joy Fang my paper AsiaOne 14 Mar 12;

SINGAPORE - A plot of land in Clementi Avenue 4 is home to lush vegetation bearing melons, bittergourd and jackfruit.

One can also find ponds and makeshift bridges fashioned out of wooden planks going over them.

They are all the blood, sweat and tears of Clementi resident Siow Siew Eng, 72. The retiree took over the management of the "farm" from her godfather three years ago.

Her godfather, 87, built up the area and had maintained it for the past three decades, alongside other similar ones. But there is now a hitch.

Madam Siow's "farm" - part of a larger 1,800 sq m plot of land bound by the Sungei Ulu Pandan canal, Clementi Avenue 4 and Clementi Avenue 6 - belongs to the Government.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) posted notices on the illegal structures last Tuesday, calling for those responsible for the encroachments to come forward by next Tuesday.

If they fail to do so, the encroachments, especially those that affect public health and safety, will be removed.

Yesterday, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Sim Ann accompanied reporters on a tour of the site.

She said that a Clementi Avenue 4 resident complained about burning leaves in the area a few weeks ago.

Stagnant ponds there also serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds, noted Ms Sim. Concerned, she decided to write in to SLA.

Only three families who illegally farm there have come forward to identify themselves, but Ms Sim hopes more will do so.

Otherwise, it will be tough to have their views represented during consultations with SLA and the National Environment Agency, she said.