Singapore defends housing plans for Maju Forest, Gillman Barracks
What's new: the environment ministry said land-use authority sits with the national development ministry, not climate officials.
Singapore ministers pushed back against criticism over plans to build housing at Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks, arguing the sites are needed to meet demand over the next decade. Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan told Parliament the projects will proceed, though layouts and the amount of greenery and heritage preserved could still change after feedback is reviewed. Environment Minister Grace Fu later said her ministry does not control land-use planning, which falls to the Ministry of National Development. The plans, released by HDB on July 10, have triggered petitions with more than 57,000 signatures and renewed debate over how Singapore balances housing, biodiversity and other land needs.