 Theme Note :: Singapore a model of Infrastructure Development
Preamble
Proper planning of limited available resources is difficult but not impossible. This is evident from the success behind Singapore's beautiful skyline.
The republic nation of Singapore suffered severe crisis initially after it achieved independence in 1965. Soon, it embarked on a modernization spree that focused on establishment of a manufacturing industry, developing large public housing estates. Since independence, its economy has risen consistently. And within 25 years of its freedom, the country evolved into one of the world's most prosperous nations, with a highly developed free market economy.
The island nation of Singapore is perhaps one country which has scaled dizzying heights in a short span of time. Efficient Civil Services and able leadership have helped this vibrant and hi-tech nation catapult into one of the most lovely and successful places in the world.
Role model
Singapore's infrastructure development is certainly a model for the developing nations. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is Singapore's national land use planning authority, which has been instrumental in building quality real estate. URA draws up long-term strategic plans, as well as detailed local area plans, for physical development, and then coordinates to turn its plans to reality. An efficient land use plan has enabled Singapore to achieve strong economic growth and social cohesion. A professional way of managing and maintaining its real estate has given way to its continued economic progress and future development.
Recycling
Awareness on recycling of waste products like cans, plastics, bottles, etc, is being created at almost all the tourist spots in Singapore. Even in zoos, animals have been trained on proper disposal of waste products! And, although Singapore does not have any natural sources of water, it has been able to provide clean and sufficient water to its people. Every drop of water that flows from its taps is ultra-clean and the place is absolutely pollution-free with utmost importance given to recycling of waste products.
Space Utilization
The space constraint seems to have come as a blessing in disguise for Singapore. The authorities focused on raising skyscrapers, huge in number. Instead of scattering its facilities, successful attempts have been made to house everything at one place and in one building, have also added to Singapore's beauty.
Many of these buildings have at least a few floors in basements. The builders have not only taken the buildings higher in the skies but have also dug deeper under the ground. The challenge is to find smart solutions so that there will always be space for all needs. Land use is intensified by locating various facilities together instead of separately. For example, storm water collection ponds are located under road flyovers; and stack factories; train stations and bus stations are located over each other. Also there is a strive to constantly find ways to minimize constraints on development by using technology such as cleaner power station fuel to reduce buffer zones of pollutive factories, or group such industries together and relocate them.
Roads
For countries like India where roads hardly bear the weight of vehicles, authorities in charge of road development here should visit Singapore to see how roads can host world-class events like Formula One Grand Prix!
City
The country's world-class connectivity makes the place a favorite tourist destination. It has an advanced metro system. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a modern and economical way of travel in Singapore. Ferry services, cable cars, mono rails, high-tech taxis, sight-seeing flights, etc, make a tourist's visit to Singapore a memorable one.
Revenue Generation Model
The cities all over the world are facing increased demand to develop and expand the Physical Infrastructure sans, effective models for revenue generation to meet the recourse needs. Planners in Singapore could throw light on some of the effective methods employed by them.
CIDC plans to organize a 3 day training program on "Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Indian Cities", the areas of discussion would be:
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A model for Infrastructure Development
Space Utilization
Roads & alternate Transports
Life line structure |
Utilities
Recreational Facility
Business Infrastructure
Dispute handling for expeditions development |
The Experts to set the Agenda would be:
- Mr. Tan Wee Teck, Secretary General, Asian Concrete Construction Institute, has worked in both the private and public sectors in Singapore including Construction Industry Development Board, Govt. of Singapore before starting his own consulting business. He has worked as a Consultant to the Sri Lanka Government, Japanese & Chinese contractors working in Singapore as joint venture projects.
- Mr. Mohan R Pillay, Managing Partner, MPillay Consultant, Pinsent Masons,
Chartered Arbitrator, Adj. Assoc. Prof. Faculty of Law, Nat. Univ. of Singapore
Visiting Professor, Centre of Construction Law & Management, King's College, London.
- Dr. S. A. Reddi, Former Deputy Managing Director, Gammon India Limited, having served the civil engineering profession for more than 50 Years.
- Mr. P. R. Swarup, Director General of CIDC.
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