There will be green spaces all over the city: PM Lee

Section: News
Publication: The New Paper 01/12/2013
Page: 6
No. of words: 293

Tengah Nature Way to be launched next year

Every green patch in Singapore cannot be preserved as the city is built up, but the Government is committed to leaving natural spaces, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.

"We are determined that we will leave green lungs and natural spaces all over our city as we build our city," said The Straits Times quoted Mr Lee as saying at the official opening of the Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum.

"Then our people can always be in touch with nature, never far from green spaces and blue waters."

Mr Lee also announced that the Tengah Nature Way will be launched early next year.

It will be Singapore's fifth and longest park connector, stretching 13km. {SEE CORRECTION ABOVE}


It will connect the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves with the Safti live firing area.


Plants will be specially chosen to complement the natural forest on both ends, and birds, butterflies and other creatures will be attracted to the area, Mr Lee said.

Plans for the Tengah Nature Way will involve the community, Channel NewsAsia reported. It will be a joint effort between NParks and South West Community Development Council, and will involve grassroots organisations, schools and residents.

As the nature ways may pass through residential estates, cooperation of residents is needed to plant suitable plants and trees, it quoted NParks as saying.

Mr Lee also planted the final tree in a year-long series of activities to commemorate 50 years of greening Singapore.

The Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum features interactive exhibits and panels.

Visitors can learn more about the rich history of the 154-year-old gardens and Singapore's greening journey over the past five decades.

Nature volunteers were also given recognition for their commitment.


Thoughts:
It is nice to know that the government has placed in effort and consideration to keep up with the "Singapore is a clean and green city" image and the fact that they care about the local's health and well being.