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It is illuminating to read the statement issued by the various groups.
Yesterday’s session on Bukit Brown was never intended to be the type of dialogue desired and claimed by these groups. Nor was it a response to their earlier request.
I had explained that our intent was simply to share with a range of stakeholders on some of the background information and considerations we had previously shared with other groups and to also highlight the road plans which were being announced. It was not a consultation effort to debate about whether the road would be built or not. That has already been stated in Parliament. We were announcing the details, alignment etc.
However, it was clear that it did not matter. Because we failed to conduct a session that was in line with what they wanted e.g. to have their own briefs, to invite others on their invite list, it was deemed to be an inadequate effort at genuine engagement.
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Green path for new Bukit Brown road
Eco-bridge will be built to reduce impact on nature and graves
In what some observers see as a concession to various interest groups, the Government on Monday announced that one-third of a controversial new road across Bukit Brown will be a bridge up to 10m off the ground.
This is expected to cost up to three times more than a surface road, but the option will benefit fauna in the wooded area, the site of an old cemetery.
The bridge will also mean slightly fewer graves will be affected by the road works, although the Land Transport Authority (LTA) cannot pinpoint the exact number of graves saved because of this.
All in, 3,746 graves will have to be exhumed from early next year. The LTA had initially estimated 5,000 would have to go when the road project was announced last year.
By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_779487.html
