Measures to Reduce Traffic Accidents Involving Animals in Mandai Area

12 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) what measures have been put in place to reduce the number of roadkill in the Mandai area; (b) whether such measures apply to all areas where there are construction activities near national parks and nature reserves; and (c) when will the hoardings along Mandai Road be completed.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Ms Sun Xueling) (for the Minister for National Development): The current construction work in Mandai is being carried out by Mandai Park Development (MPD), which is a private developer. As with all developments near nature reserves, MPD was required to assess the potential impact of their works on the flora and fauna in the area prior to beginning construction. MPD is also responsible for implementing measures to mitigate the impact of their development works on wildlife in the area.

MPD has since undertaken a number of measures to reduce roadkill in the area. As the Member has mentioned, hoardings have been installed around the development areas on Mandai Lake Road. MPD, the relevant Government agencies and the nature community are currently discussing the need for additional hoardings. Where it is ascertained that additional hoardings will protect wildlife, the relevant Government agencies will work with MPD to determine the location of these hoardings. Other measures that MPD has put in place include a rope bridge to help arboreal animals cross the road safely, and vehicle speed reduction measures, such as warning signs, speed bumps and a lowered speed limit.

The measures implemented by MPD are specific to the Mandai development. Other projects may require different measures.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the reply. Can I check whether an eco-link was part of the proposed mitigation measures for this Mandai development and, if so, why was it not done? Secondly, what oversight does MND have over this construction that is going on in the Mandai area in terms of checking whether these proposed mitigation measures are done? And third, are there any penalties imposed on the developer if the proposed mitigation measures are not carried out?

Ms Sun Xueling: I thank the Member for his questions. Following planning approval, MPD implements an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to ensure that mitigation measures are being carried out during the Mandai Rejuvenation Project's development and operations. The EMMP is monitored and reviewed by an Environmental Advisory Panel which includes subject matter experts from the scientific community, academia, nature groups and the private sector. If there are unanticipated environmental impacts that require additional mitigation, MPD should modify their EMMP, in consultation with the relevant technical agencies.

The Member had asked about the eco-link. It has already started construction. I will have to check whether or not it was part of the EIA. Based on my understanding, it was.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: May I check on the penalties if the developer does not implement some of the proposed mitigation measures?

Ms Sun Xueling: Based on my understanding, there are no penalties. But as I have mentioned, because there is an EMMP, there is regular consultation between the parties. MPD would modify their environmental plan in consultation with the relevant technical agencies when there are unanticipated environmental impacts.