Preparatory works for Singapore's 'Long Island' coastal protection project will commence from the end of 2026, according to a joint press release by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Housing and Development Board (HDB). The 800-hectare, decades-long project aims to safeguard the nation from rising sea levels.
Scope and Phases of Preparatory Works
The preparatory works will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, starting at the end of 2026, will take place in the waters west of Bedok Jetty, covering approximately 570 hectares. This area spans about 7 kilometers from east to west and up to 1 kilometer from north to south. The second phase, covering about 155 hectares, will begin only after the 2029 Southeast Asian Games.
The works primarily involve removing seabed obstructions and constructing temporary sand bunds and sand infilling. These activities will be conducted at least 130 meters away from the shoreline, in the waters off the East Coast, and will be demarcated by silt screens and/or floating barriers.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation
An environmental study commissioned by HDB found that the preparatory works are predicted to have an "overall minor impact" on the surrounding environment. The agencies stated that measures will be implemented to mitigate the impact on the environment and community based on these findings.
The preparatory works may cause "slight localised changes" to currents and waves near Bedok Jetty, with minimal impact on existing water-based activities. However, some sea sport users will be displaced due to a reduction in sea space along the East Coast. "The impact will be mitigated by the phasing of preparatory works, with kiteboarding being the most affected, and minor to moderate impact on other sea sport users," the agencies said.
Beaches along East Coast Park will remain open and accessible for near-shore swimming, while all exercise paths and tracks will stay accessible for jogging and cycling.
Long-Term Vision and Climate Resilience
First unveiled as part of Singapore's long-term development plan in 1991, 'Long Island' is a critical coastal protection measure to protect lives and livelihoods from rising sea levels affecting low-lying coastal areas, including Singapore's East Coast. Given the scale of the project, preparatory works are essential to lay the groundwork for future land reclamation for 'Long Island'. This supports the timely implementation of the project to respond to climate risks and meet national needs, the agencies said.
