Artist’s impression of the future Tengah Town. Source: HDB
Second Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung said government agencies – such as the National Environment Agency and Housing and Development Board – are aware of the noise conditions that residents living near the expanded Tengah Air Base will be subjected to, reported Channel NewsAsia.
With this, a noise study will be used as a guide in planning the development of new flats within the surrounding area.
SEE ALSO: Tengah Town to prosper amidst airbase expansion
“We ought to be fair to residents who are moving into new premises built near the expanded Tengah Air Base and let them know that while some noise reduction can be achieved through mitigation measures, it is not possible to reduce it completely,” he said in Parliament on Monday (11 September).
The statement was made in response to Pasir-Ris Punggol MP Sun Xueling and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Alex Yam’s queries on how Paya Lebar Air Base’s relocation to Tengah would affect residents within the respective areas.
The Paya Lebar Air Base is set to be relocated in phases to Changi and Tengah air bases from 2019.
He revealed that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) conducts most of the flying for local trainings over water instead of over land to mitigate noise.
He noted that the RSAF flies over populated areas primarily for landing and taking off purposes only. The RSAF also adjusts its flying schedule based on public feedback.
“For example, the RSAF reduces flying activities and ceases night flying earlier during examination periods so that our students can better concentrate and rest well.”
He added that the RSAF plans to continually engage residents near the airbases and explore other ways to minimise the inconveniences caused to the public while meeting its training and operational requirements.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
