Introduction

SINGAPORE: Residents of Sengkang can look forward to a series of exhilarating new community spaces and enhancements as part of an ambitious five-year master plan unveiled by the Sengkang Town Council. Key highlights include a dedicated dog run, a butterfly sanctuary, and a stunning rooftop garden, making this town a more vibrant place to live.

Announcement Details

The announcement was made by the Members of Parliament for Sengkang GRC—He Ting Ru, Louis Chua, and Jamus Lim—during an event held at the scenic Sengkang Sculpture Park on April 5. With construction already underway, residents are eager to see these proposals come to life, especially the dog run at Rivervale Shores, which is slated for completion later this year.

Community Involvement

This thoughtful initiative arose from a proposal submitted by local pet owners who approached Mr. Chua directly. A subsequent survey revealed overwhelming support from the community; an impressive 72% of the 271 respondents favored the dog run, including many who do not own dogs.

Addressing Concerns

“We believe in listening to our residents, and it’s essential they are part of the decision-making process,” Chua explained. To address concerns about potential noise and cleanliness, the dog run will operate during designated hours, paired with a rigorous maintenance schedule to keep the area pristine.

Revitalization of Sengkang Sculpture Park

The rejuvenation of the Sengkang Sculpture Park is another exciting element of the plan, embracing the town's heritage as a former fishing village. The park will feature charming kelong-style pavilions, a tranquil waterscape, and even a coral reef sculpture. Young residents (ages 18-30) are invited to join a steering committee to help shape the park’s designs, truly making this a community-driven project.

New Butterfly Sanctuary and Hydroponic Garden

In Anchorvale, a multi-purpose hall will be transformed into a beautiful butterfly sanctuary and hydroponic garden, allowing residents to cultivate their own greens, herbs, and other produce. Additionally, plans for a new edible rooftop in Buangkok aim to foster a communal space for gardening while serving as a hub for community interaction.

Ongoing Improvements

Aside from these thrilling new spaces, the Sengkang MPs also highlighted ongoing improvements throughout the town. Approximately 50% of the estate has already undergone necessary repair and modernization, buoyed by the fact that 685 lifts will either be modernized or completely replaced in the coming years.

Funding and Project Approvals

Notably, in the 2024 financial year, Sengkang Town Council put forth a remarkable 248 projects for funding from the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC), the highest submission among Singapore's towns. However, only 47 of these projects were approved due to budget constraints, amounting to S$4.5 million in funding.

Conclusion

Despite the limitations, Assoc Prof Lim remarked on the diverse range of projects approved, asserting that even seemingly 'ordinary' enhancements such as simple pathways are born from strong resident feedback. “Our aim is to get the community’s voice heard and our projects realized,” he stated. Exciting times are ahead for Sengkang residents as these projects promise not only to enhance the community's landscape but also to foster a greater sense of community spirit among its residents. Stay tuned for more updates as we witness these incredible developments take shape!