Posted on 08/19/2013 12:02:48 AM PDT by TexGrill
SINGAPORE: The Singapore government unveiled a master plan on Sunday to double capacity at South-East Asia's busiest airport, build a new waterfront city, move its massive port and relocate a military airbase to free up land for development.
The plan announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong follows mounting discontent in one of the world's wealthiest nations over an influx of foreign workers and expatriates blamed for a range of problems – from strained infrastructure to having among the highest living costs in Asia.
In an annual National Day address, Lee sought to allay those fears, elaborating on a trove of long-term plans that appear intended to counter a growing voter backlash against the People's Action Party (PAP) that has ruled Singapore for more than half a century.
These include changes to Singapore's healthcare and education systems, and the move of its port – the world's second-busiest hub for container shipping – to a new location in Tuas in western Singapore from 2027.
That would free up land in Tanjong Pagar, next to the central business district, for a sprawling new waterfront city, Lee said.
He also unveiled plans for a fourth runway at Changi Airport, South-East Asia's busiest. This will alllow the government to move a military airbase in central Singapore to Changi after 2030 and free up 800ha (1,980 acres) of land for homes, factories and businesses.
“This is how we can stay the hub in South-East Asia and create many more opportunities for Singaporeans,” he said, citing competition from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
(Excerpt) Read more at thestar.com.my ...
Not exactly a lot of room to grow in a city-state
The one place on earth where you can literally eat off the street..it is immaculate...I think you get 6 months in jail for tossing gum..
Anyway, the Raffles Bar was a great watering hole. Its claim to international fame was the Singapore Sling cocktail that was invented there.
However, modernity has caught up. The bar inside the hotel (by the lobby) has moved behind the check-in desk and only guests are allowed to drink there.
Singapore has grown dramatically and the vestiges of Empire are rapidly disappearing or have disappeared. New skyscrapers blot out old neighborhoods. I'm glad I saw Singapore then because I wouldn't like it now. A similar fate has befallen Hong Kong. It is sad to watch the passing of an era. I feel really old. (sigh)
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