Farmers generally positive about Lim Chu Kang's agri-tainment development

By Song Kian Yong, Channel NewsAsia
04 January 2007

SINGAPORE: Two companies recently won the tender for agri-tainment development in the Lim Chu Kang area which is now set for a facelift.

For some farmers plying their trade in Lim Chu Kang, the move to promote agri-tainment is welcomed.

Mr Gan Kian Leng, Director, Gan Aquarium, says: "I think this will bring more customers to us so this is a good thing."

Mr Kenny Eng, Director, Gardenasia Pte Ltd, says: "This kind of publicity and assurance by different investors and different farms or new-age farmers will boost up confidence in this whole zone."

However, concerns were also raised with regards to the impact the project might have on existing farms in Lim Chu Kang.

"If the interests of real farmers like the vegetable farmers or the fish farmers are not protected, they will be really affected."

Others in the area were worried about how the project might affect the area's natural setting.

Mrs Ivy Singh-Lim, owner of Bollywood Veggies Pte Ltd, says: "We don't want another resort here out in the countryside. We don't think we want spas out here, you know, we want this place to be very very homey, really back to nature."

The Singapore Land Authority says details of the development plans will be released to the public in late January. - CNA/so