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  The Straits Times Forum Online 8 Nov 05
Bukit Timah Hill invaded by private housing projects.
Stop intrusion into nature's space
 Letter from Clarence Chua Si Sien

Bukit Timah Hill is Singapore's last vestige of primary forest. It is a national attraction valued by all Singaporeans. The crowds there every morning and evening testify to this.

It bears significant ecological importance as well. Some animal species are found there and nowhere else on mainland Singapore. The diversity of plant species on that hill alone outnumbers all of that in North America.

Yet it is a hill under siege. On a recent count, there are three private property projects surrounding the hill. South Haven I and II are large condominium projects that obscure the view of the magnificent hill from Upper Bukit Timah Hill. Inside Hinhede Road are two projects, The Mondrian and Le Wood.

While South Haven is an eyesore, all three trouble me because their construction is an enroachment into the hill's territory. Simply put, every forest needs space between itself and urban structures to be healthy and pristine.

These three developments impede into the forest's space effectively reducing its area. And one can just imagine the stress the construction dust and noise must have caused the wildlife that take the ever-shrinking hill as their last sanctuary.

What troubles me is that the empty space opposite Courts Superstore is slated for another condominium project. This open space affords possibly the last unobstructed view of the hill from ground level. This new project would only obscure our hill, granting a privileged few a 'stunning view of the hill' while depriving the vast majority to share its visual splendour.

Why is this allowed to happen? How can our hill be increasingly sold to those who can pay for it, and how can the wildlife stand further invasion of their space?

I hope the authorities can limit the developments near the hill lest it becomes a lonely castle surrounded by a moat of selfish, sky-high condominium projects.

Clarence Chua Si Sien
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