Final notice issued to illegal makeshift shrine along Science Centre Road to vacate site by Dec 12

SINGAPORE —  The authorities on Tuesday (Nov 29) issued a final notice to the caretakers of a makeshift shrine to vacate its site by Dec 12. It is constructed illegally on a roadside green verge along Science Centre Road.

Statutory boards JTC, National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Land Authority said in a joint statement that the shrine now sits on public land that is part of the Jurong Lake District Master Plan. 

"The makeshift shrine is an illegal encroachment on public land," they said, without stating what kind of shrine it is.

The land is required for preparation and infrastructure works, which are scheduled to begin in the near term to support the development of the area.

The agencies pointed out that the authorities had conducted multiple engagements with the caretakers of the shrine since July 28, 2021 when they were first asked to relocate the shrine.

They then issued an advisory on Aug 19, 2021 asking the caretaker to vacate the site by the end of the month. 

Following an appeal from the caretakers, the agencies said that they held a joint engagement on Sept 14, 2021 with the caretakers, who said that they had difficulties in finding a new site for relocation..

An extension of four months was granted and the caretakers then agreed to move out by Dec 13, 2021. 

However, the caretakers updated the agencies on Sept 28, 2021 that they would not be able to relocate by the deadline due to Covid-19 restrictions. 

In spite of the caretakers being unable to “show any documentary proof” providing details of the problems that they faced in relocating, the agencies said that they granted a second extension on Dec 13, 2021.

The caretakers were told they had to vacate the site by Jan 13 this year. 

On Dec 25, 2021, the caretakers then appealed to NParks to allow the shrine to remain on site, but their request was rejected since the shrine is encroaching on public land. 

The agencies engaged the caretakers again on Jan 3 and reminded them to vacate the site by mid-January. 

However, the agencies acceded to a request by the caretakers on Jan 5 to allow an extension of the deadline for them to seek independent legal advice, granting a third extension until Feb 13. 

The agencies said that the caretakers were given ample time to look for alternative sites for the shrine and to facilitate its removal. 

“However, despite the multiple extensions and engagements with the shrine’s caretakers, the illegal shrine remains on site.”

The agencies added that should the caretakers fail to abide by the final notice, they will have to issue formal enforcement notices under the State Lands Encroachments Act and the JTC Common Property Rules to compel the caretakers to vacate the site.

“This notwithstanding, agencies will continue to provide the necessary assistance to facilitate the removal of the shrine with due respect and sensitivity,” the agencies added.