Granite Stockpile Stays, Lim Chu Kang Farmers Told

Source : Weekend TODAY, October 27, 2007

THE farmers may object but the decision is final — the Government's granite stockpile stays in Lim Chu Kang, where several farms are located.

In a letter responding to a petition sent by the Kranji Countryside Association (KCA) earlier this month, the Government said locating such facilities away from densely-built up areas "is not always possible in land-scarce Singapore". The Lim Chu Kang site, it said, was selected after "careful consideration", taking into account various land use needs.

Stockpiling granite, the Government explained, was of "strategic importance" and key to ensuring a sufficient supply of construction materials here. The Indonesian sand ban and granite supply disruption has shown that supply cut-offs can be "sudden" and "potentially-damaging".

Concerned about granite dust affecting the area's water and crops, the KCA sent a petition with 1,000 signatures to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

A six-metre fence helps to keep the dust in, but farmers are worried that sunlight may not reach their crops.

The Government's letter assured farmers of "appropriate measures" taken to mitigate the impact of stockpiling activities. A programme is also in place to monitor the soil and water conditions around the site and relevant agencies will continue to work with the farmers.