Other MPA notices usually state the kind of work to be done in the area and give contact details of the parties in charge of the work. But this notice had no further details.Is the this first sign of the massive construction of a 'long island' opposite the East Coast?
[Afternote: Apparently not a prelude to reclamation. As duration of closure is short (I missed the dates in the earlier post. Apologies for the oversight.) Still, it was an opportunity to look into long-term plans for the area.]
According to Land reclamation in Singapore on thinkquest: among the large scale reclamation projects expected in the future is "a long island off the east coast and the length of which will stretch from near Marina East to Changi for waterfront housing and recreational development and roads". (The other major reclamation project highlighted is "Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin for housing and some industrial development when Singapores population exceeds four million", which will affect Chek Jawa).
This map from Encyclopedia of Coastal Science by Maurice L. Schwartz on google books, shows the past and future reclamation projects in Singapore. Among the future reclamation projects is a long island opposite the east coast, made up of three parts. The part closest to the Marina Barrage looks very similar to the 'no-anchor' area delineated in the recent MPA notice.Prohibition of Vessels Anchoring at the Eastern Part of Singapore
From Port Marine Notice No. 216 of 2008 dd 22 Dec 08
1. In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 43 (c) of the MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE ACT (CHAPTER 170A), the Port Master, hereby prohibits all vessels, unless authorized by the Port Master from entering, anchoring, mooring, transiting or being in the area as stated in paragraph 2.
2. The area referred to in this Notice is in the attached plan:
3. The dates and times during which the Prohibited Area will be brought into effect are as follows:
10 Jan 09 1000 hours – 1800 hours
11 Jan 09 1000 hours – 1800 hours
18 Jan 09 1000 hours – 1800 hours
Here's a closer look at the areas affected.
Is more reclamation in Singapore possible? Here's a look at some possibilities.Yes indeed, the area marked out is for the Volvo Race!
From "Sailors get set for tomorrow's big event" on Straits Times 9 Jan 09;
