Singapore's Land Expansion: A Quest for Growth
In previous discussions, we examined Singapore's land expansion projects achieved through reclamation, highlighting the enormous sand quantities required (approximately 70 million tons per square kilometer). The initial source of this sand was local mines, seabeds, and underground projects. However, these sources proved insufficient to meet the escalating demands of land reclamation.
Dependence on Sand Imports
Singapore became heavily reliant on importing sand from neighboring countries to sustain its ambitious land creation efforts. The proximity and affordability of transportation costs made countries like Malaysia and Indonesia key suppliers, particularly since the 1970s. As land reclamation projects expanded, the demand for sand surged, causing a dramatic price increase from less than \$20 per square meter to \$200 per square meter in the 1990s.
Export Bans and Shifting Sources
Despite the rising costs, Malaysia and Indonesia eventually imposed bans on sand exports to Singapore. Malaysia initiated its ban in 1997 under Prime Minister Mahathir, likely due to increased domestic demand. Following Malaysia's ban, Indonesia became Singapore's primary sand supplier, meeting roughly 90% of its import needs. However, Indonesia also implemented restrictions, starting with a ban on coastal sand exports in 2003 and culminating in a complete ban on all sand exports in 2007.
Facing these export bans, Singapore shifted its focus to alternative sources, including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Cambodia became a significant supplier, providing over 80 million tons of sand between 2007 and 2015.
Environmental Concerns in Cambodia
Sand mining in Cambodia, primarily in Koh Kong Province, raised serious environmental concerns. Organizations reported that mining activities were destroying riverbeds and mangrove forests.
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Ecological Damage: Deforestation and mining hollowed out riverbeds, destroying red mangrove forests, which are vital habitats for fish and crustaceans.
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Impact on Local Communities: The destruction of these habitats negatively impacted local fishermen who relied on them for their livelihoods.
Discrepancies and Export Ban in Cambodia
Statistical discrepancies emerged between Cambodian and Singaporean records of sand exports. While Cambodia reported exporting only 2.8 million tons of sand to Singapore between 2007 and 2015, Singapore's records indicated imports of 72 million tons. Amid growing public pressure, Cambodia suspended sand mining activities in late 2016 and imposed a complete export ban in July 2017.
The Dutch Inspiration: Polders
Faced with export bans from neighboring countries, Singapore sought alternative land creation methods. Inspired by the Netherlands, a nation renowned for its innovative land reclamation techniques, Singapore explored the polder method. The Netherlands, often called "Niederland" or "the land of frogs," has a long history of reclaiming land from the sea.
Windmills and Drainage
The Netherlands utilized windmills to drain water from enclosed areas, effectively creating new land. Dams were constructed to encircle sections of the sea, and windmills were strategically placed to pump the water out, forming polders. These windmills were vital for draining water into canals which eventually led to the sea. These newly drained lands were called polders.
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Efficient Land Creation: Over centuries, the Netherlands has reclaimed approximately one-fifth of its land (over 7,000 square kilometers) using this method.
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Cost-Effective: This approach proved more economical and less restrictive than relying solely on sand fill.
Singapore's Polder Project: Pulau Tekong
Inspired by the Netherlands, Singapore embarked on a pilot polder project on Pulau Tekong, its second-largest offshore island.
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Collaboration: The Singapore Housing Authority collaborated with Dutch experts and local design institutes to ensure the project's success.
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Weitian Construction: The project involved constructing a seabed to encircle an area, draining the seawater, and establishing a drainage system. It incorporates a large rainwater collection pool and two water reservoirs.
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Water Management: The reservoirs are designed to maintain water quality and manage excess rainwater runoff.
Engineering and Completion
A 10-kilometer seabed surrounds the polder, designed to withstand significant wave events. The rigorous engineering standards demonstrate Singapore's commitment to ensuring the project's safety and sustainability. The Pulau Tekong polder project, known as Weitian City, is expected to be completed in 2022 and will add approximately 810 hectares to Singapore's land area. Further expansion utilizing the same methodology is planned. Despite challenges, Singapore remains determined to pursue its land expansion goals.