Singapore’s waste disposal capacity gets a boost

SINGAPORE — The Republic’s waste disposal capacity received an additional boost of 16.7 million cubic metres — equivalent of nearly 6,700 Olympic-size swimming pools — with the completion of the Phase II development of Semakau Landfill.

In a press release today (July 11), the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the nation now has the capacity to meet waste disposal needs to 2035 and beyond.

Phase II was first conceptualised by NEA in 2010 when Singapore’s sole landfill at Semakau island was estimated to be filled by 2016. NEA embarked on the Phase II development in 2011 to convert the remaining 157-hectare sea space into landfill space by closing the 160-metre gap at the southern perimeter bund of Semakau Landfill. TODAY understands that the new 157-hectre development cost S$37 million to build.

According to the NEA, Phase II is designed to maximise the landfill capacity and minimise the amount of sand used, thus lowering the overall construction cost.

To ensure preservation of marine inhabitants around the island, NEA said they conducted two major projects in the Phase II development area. Over 700 colonies of corals in the Phase II lagoon were harvested and transplanted to Sisters’ Island from September 2014 to January 2015. The second project, which is still ongoing since June 2015, sees NEA working with nature groups to transfer fish within the Phase II lagoon into the open sea.

“The expansion of Semakau Landfill is testament to Singapore’s engineering capability and the success of its novel approach to waste management. Singapore’s only landfill represents a balancing feat between physical development and environmental conservation. While it is necessary to meet the waste disposal needs of Singapore, our priority has always been to ensure that it is done in an environmentally sustainable way,” said Minister of the Environment and Water Resorces Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

NEA added that they will be re-opening Semakau Landfill to members of the public and nature groups from 12 July 2015 for educational and nature-based visits. Tours were suspended in early 2014 when construction for Phase II began. The public can schedule visits by filling out the booking form at https://www.nea.gov.sg/services-forms/forms/booking-form-for-visit-to-nea-installation. KHAIRUL AMRI BIN MOHD SIDIK