Vision of clean, green & liveable Singapore to remain in next master plan

Channel NewsAsia 18 Nov 13;

SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the vision of making Singapore a clean, green and liveable city has remained unchanged since the first concept plan for the city state, and will continue to be upheld in the next master plan for the country.

He made the comments in his blog post on Monday about a recent surprise visit from Mr Henry Wardlaw, who headed the United Nations (UN) consultancy team that drew up the first Singapore Concept Plan in 1971.

Mr Wardlaw, who is 91 and lives in Sydney, had contacted the Urban Redevelopment Authority of (URA) for a short visit to its City Gallery, said Mr Khaw.

"I have seen an amazing and well organised transformation of the city since our work here was finished in 1971," Mr Wardlaw was quoted as saying in the blog.

On his visit to Singapore in the 1960s, he saw disorganised streets.

"The transition that has taken place over the past 42 years is a credit to everyone concerned," said Mr Wardlaw.

Concept Plan 1971 -- the plan that the UN team drew up -- has been reviewed and updated several times to meet changing needs and global circumstances, said Mr Khaw.

"But the underlying philosophy of making Singapore an endearing home and a clean, green, liveable city remains unchanged.

"Very soon, we will unveil details of the next Master Plan for Singapore, to continue the pursuit of this vision," he added.

- CNA/nd