In the wake of public outcry over the news that Dover Forest is earmarked for residential development, People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Christopher de Souza said on Monday that he had filed a request in Parliament to speak on preserving Dover Forest.
In a Facebook post, Mr de Souza said that the request was made in the form of a proposed adjournment motion titled “Preservation of Dover Forest in Ulu Pandan”.
“If there are no other MPs vying for an adjournment motion at the next sitting, which would thereby avoid a ballot, this would mean a full 30mins of Parliamentary time will be allocated to my motion,” he explained.
While noting his support for housing and redevelopment, Mr de Souza said he also “cherish[es] greenery and the serenity it offers people and wildlife”.
As part of the motion, Mr de Souza said he plans to also raise and explore possible vacant alternative sites for the residential development planned for Dover Forest. Additionally, he will also talk about promoting and preserving green and natural sustainable spaces across Ulu Pandan, which is part of the constituency he serves.
TOC notes Mr de Souza did not mention whether he will also talk about the zoning of Clementi Forest for residential use as well, which cropped up late last year and is still being discussed in the public sphere.
On that note, TOC is also aware of a motion that is to be presented in Parliament in February by six People’s Action Party (PAP) MPs to accelerate and deepen efforts against climate change, as reported in an earlier article on Dover Forest.
The motion calls on the government to work with the private sector as well as the public to do more in mitigating and adapting to climate change as to “embrace sustainability” in the further development of Singapore.