Goodbye Ubin Thai Temple

In April 2007, the Ministry of National Development announced its plans for reopening the Kekek Quarry off Jalan Wat Siam. As the road name indicates, this road was named after the Thai Temple located at the end of the road, just in front of the Kekek Quarry.

As of late July 2007, the Thai Temple no longer stands at Jalan Wat Siam, a road now devoid of its namesake.

When the announcement for the deferment of Kekek Quarry's opening came on 4 August 2007, the news was met with happiness and also frustration as yet again, a landmark on Ubin has been displaced because of planned development. Just like the Kampong Melayu en route Chek Jawa which was cleared in anticipation of the reclamation, the postponement of Kekek Quarry's opening came too late to save one of the last remaining landmarks on Pulau Ubin.


Kekek Quarry in the morning of April 7, 2007. Thai Temple is located at the foot of this hill. Photo by November

All occupants of the island must possess a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) from the Singapore Land Authority and it was said that the temple's license was due for renewal. While this fact needs verification, truth of the matter is that the temple is now no longer on Ubin. In an interview with one of the villagers on Ubin, it is unlikely that the temple will be issued a new TOL on Ubin even if they had applied for it after the quarry plans are shelved. It is true of course that the quarry is to be on standby, ready to be operational at the slightest need and having to relocate the temple later would be a bureaucratical hassle.


2030V Pulau Ubin is no longer an occupied address. Photo by November

The temple may seem relatively new, having only established on Ubin in 1986 when a monk from Thailand walked all the way down to Singapore and found its home here on Pulau Ubin. However, it's one of the last few remaining cultural icons on the island with large throngs of visitors on weekends and major Buddhist and Chinese festivals. This was also a large source of income for the island's taxi drivers who would ferry devotees to the temple. When asked, taxi drivers on Ubin expressed disappointment that now there is a less steady stream of income for them. Previously, they could count on major festival days to draw income from. Now, they feel Chek Jawa is the only way for them to garner income from but it is less reliable as return visitors or regular visitors are rare.


Thai Temple one year ago on July 13 2006. Who would have known a year later the temple would no longer be with us? Photo by November

A question was posted on the Ubin Forum asking where the temple has been relocated to. After some "detective work" and leg work from our guest editor, budak, we found that it has actually been moved to Jalan Kayu, near Seletar. Not very different from Ubin, Jalan Kayu is also a kampong place, still relatively undeveloped and rural but rich with heritage but under threat from urbanization and development.


Familiar idols from the Thai Temple in storage at Jalan Kayu. Photo by budak

Budak wrote:

"The reprieve granted to kekek came sadly too late for the Thai temple located within earshot of the quarry. the statues and idols no longer face a tree-lined trail and the musical tributes of straw-headed bulbuls.

The tale of the Thai temple now meets that of another Buddhist shrine, the Ban Kok Sua Chong Yee Temple that for now still resides at Seletar West Farmway 6, a small road two turns off Jalan Kayu surrounded by farmland and abandoned plots. Before secondary jungle retakes the area, however, it will likely be surrendered to planners seeking to turn this historic kampung area (see jalankayutrail.blogspot.com) into another new suburb. In a sense, it already is, as Jalan Kayu is now within a stone's throw from the Sengkang LRT network, and vast fields of cleanly cleared land (formerly farms and orchards) now link the once quiet road to a new town of HDB towers.

Now a lonely outpost in a village of ghosts and forgotten memories, Chong Yee Temple faces a dwindling lease and its custodians are currently seeking to raise funds to erect a new sanctuary for the temple's deities when the present plot is returned to the authorities.

To this end, Chong Yee Temple has linked up with the caretakers of the (former) Ubin Thai temple and another temple (dedicated to Bao Gong) to acquire a piece of land where Jalan Kayu meets Sengkang West Avenue, where a collective development will take place, with each temple maintaining its identity and management, while occupying its own portion of new worship complex.


Site of the new temple premise. Photo by budak

The artefacts of the Thai temple are now at a temporary building at the site, with an interim altar and shrine being built, which is scheduled to be ready by 22 August. Stay tuned for more updates when we visit the place after it opens."

See more photos of Chong Yee Temple and the new Thai Temple premise in Budak's flickr set.

Kekek Quarry will not be reopened yet!

Just received word that the Ministry of National Development has decided to defer the opening of Kekek Quarry in the north of Ubin. Although the government has momentarily withheld all immediate plans to extract granite from the quarry, the quarry will still be retained as a stockpile, ready for extraction and activation at any moment's notice.

MND and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) released a media statement on the following this afternoon on 4th August 2007:

GOVERNMENT DEFERS QUARRYING GRANITE IN UBIN

Update on the granite supply situation
The Granite supply situation has improved significantly over the last one to two months. There is adequate granite supply coming in from both nearby and near distant sources in the region. As a result of this diversification of supply, there has not been any drawdown from the national stockpile from May. Prices of these materials have also moderated and stabilised.

Quarrying at Pulau Ubin
In April this year, the Government announced plans to carry out limited quarrying works at the Kekek Quarry in Pulau Ubin. Over the past few months, we have carried out preparatory works for reactivating the Kekek Quarry. These included carrying out an environmental impact study, conducting water quality tests and regulatory reviews.

Having gained useful experience and a better understanding of the process for reactivating a quarry, and as the industry is able to diversify and import adequate granite from many sources, we have decided that there is no need to commence the physical extraction of granite from the quarry for the time being.

However we are still keeping all our options open, including reactivating our own quarries if necessary. The reactivation of our local quarries remains a part of our contingency plan to ensure supply resilience of essential construction materials.

This is an absolutely wonderful piece of news to brighten up my Saturday. Perhaps this is an indication that our government is moving towards a more environmentally-sound ideology that without serious pressures, they would not choose development over our environment. In another words, they would think before they hack and rather conserve than to destroy and develop blindly for the sake of national security or economic growth. When the minister of state for MND said that they are trying to do whatever they can to prevent this from happening and that reopening the quarry was truly their last option, I suppose she actually meant it.

The skeptic amongst us would say that perhaps this was just a pragmatic decision and at the same time soothe some ruffled feathers. Or even perhaps producing is more expensive than buying. Either way, there is hope yet.


Kekek Quarry through the looking grass: taken just after the announcement to reopen quarrying in April 2007

Of course this is a delightful piece of news as the quarry and Ubin itself has escaped the fate of being a mining outpost again. However, like all things in Singapore, there is no certain fate and we should always be prepared to lose the quarry to our country's needs again.

As in all things nature conservation in Singapore, we should remember not to be complacent. Especially with change being a constant and regular feature in Ubin and every where else on this island state we live in, at any moment's notice, things which we think are here to stay may be taken away from us the next minute due to national needs.

A good example is Chek Jawa. While we are all happy that reclamation at Chek Jawa was deferred, this was only for 10 years or up till there is need for it again. It has already been 6 years since the deferment was announced and before we knew it, half our time with Chek Jawa has already flewn by! What more, whole villages were displaced to make way for reclamation at Chek Jawa and even after deferment, a piece of our history and heritage was gone already. Likewise, there has been rumours that the Thai Temple near Kekek Quarry is to relocate due to reopening of quarry. Now that quarrying has been deferred, this monkey shall go find out if the temple will really be relocated.


Chek Jawa Boardwalk amidst the beautiful coast line of Ubin

If we wish to hold on to these beautiful places like Chek Jawa, we should all show our love for for these places by visiting it, sharing it with our friends and of course, be generous with our words and tell everybody about it. What more, with the opening of the Chek Jawa Boardwalk, it has never been easier to get to know the area better.

I cannot be more happy to know that many Singaporeans enjoyed the Kekek Quarry very much and went to see it for the last time when it was announced to be reopened for mining. Now, it's here to stay for a while longer, we can once again go and enjoy its beautiful and serene landscape!


Pedal Ubin guides and participants enjoying Kekek Quarry in June 2005

“天湖”可克石场 周末吸引不少游人

联合早报 Lianhe Zaobao
吴汉钧
24 April 2007

乌敏岛有五个废矿湖，被称为“天湖”的可克石场（Kekek Quarry）最受游人欢迎，周末可看到不少人不顾警告投入矿湖游泳、划木筏，或在湖边露营、野餐。

可克石场有路可通，周末许多游人乘德士从码头到矿湖边。虽然矿湖边有栅门和围栏，但并未把矿湖全部围起来。游人也可穿过围栏上的破洞或绕过围栏走到矿湖戏水或享受矿湖的宁静环境。

乌敏岛五个由废石场形成的矿湖，分别是可克石场、益华石场、乌敏石场、北干石场和中央花岗石场。本月初，政府宣布要重开可克石场进行有限度的采石活动，了解重开本地采石业需要的经验。

大自然爱好者陈冰婷（25岁）受访时说，前往乌敏岛其他矿湖的路比较难走，只有可克石场较容易抵达，因此他们带团到乌敏岛游玩时，都会选择可克石场。

她说：“虽然矿湖有一定的危险，但我们还是看到有人游泳、划木筏、野餐，晚上还有人露营。周末游人更是络绎不绝，有骑脚踏车的，也有搭客货车的。”

乌敏矿湖也有条山径可攀爬，在最高点可观赏美景，但不能就近戏水，所以不受游人欢迎。

陈冰婷是国大地理系应届毕业生，四年前开始在莱佛士生物多样性研究博物馆里当义工，带领公众到乌敏岛游玩，也在互联网博客记录乌敏岛的点点滴滴。

她与乌敏岛上的矿湖也有渊源。她的外祖父母那一辈亲戚都是乌敏岛居民，有的曾拥有采石公司，有的曾是采石工人。她的母亲在已于1980年代关闭的敏江学校就读。

希望局限在可克石场

对于政府决定有限度开采可克石场，陈冰婷表示可以理解，但她希望不要扩大到其他石场。她也关注政府打算发出多长的采石合同，因为政府还未透露开采期限。

她在矿湖区看到许多动物如原鸡（jungle fowl）、水獭、巨蜥、蜂鸟、山猪、犀鸟等，她希望采石活动对这些野生动物的影响能降至最低。

自然学会环保组组长何华宙博士说，他主要关注矿水的处理方式及对周遭红树林的影响。他认为，抽出来的矿水最好不要排到海里，而是附近的矿湖如益华石场。他希望政府在把矿水抽出前进行仔细的水质调查。

他说：“只要采石活动局限在可克石场，不扩大范围或扩展到其他石场，我们并不太担心。”

自然学会会员张隆华说，政府的初步调查结果提到植物和鸟类，但没提到其他哺乳动物、昆虫等的生长情况。

他也希望石场附近的河流及红树林不受影响，因为本地的淡水河岸红树林已很稀少，多数是沿海红树林。

前自然学会会员杨德兴不担心重启采石活动会对乌敏岛的鸟类造成影响。他曾是自然学会野鸟组组员，现在是导游，经营旅游公司。

他说，到乌敏岛观鸟通常集中在中部和东部仄爪哇一带，不会到偏远的可克矿湖

Concrete plans to sustain construction; New scheme to step up use of alternative building materials over next 5 years

TODAY
Leong Wee Keat
24 April 2007

YOUR future home is likely to be constructed with less concrete as the Government seeks to step up the use of alternative and sustainable materials such as steel, glass and aluminium.

The aim is to reduce the use of concrete as a key construction material by 30 to 50 per cent over the next five years, through a Sustainable Construction Master Plan laid out by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

The plan comes in the wake of disruption in the supply of sand and granite - key components of concrete - following restrictions imposed by the Indonesian government.

The restrictions caused the price of concrete to jump from about $70 per cubic metre to between $180 and $200 now.

Steel is at least 10 per cent more expensive than the current cost of concrete, but BCA chief executive Dr John Keung said the gap between the two raw materials is "fast narrowing".

Unveiling the BCA plan yesterday, Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu said the construction industry, in the long term, "must adopt sustainable construction in a comprehensive manner to reduce its vulnerability to disruptions in supply of essential materials".

Over the next three months, the BCA will work with industry partners and relevant agencies to review existing rules and regulations.

For example, the BCA hopes to introduce a new code to encourage the use of recycled building materials - such as recycled concrete - in construction.

The BCA is also working with relevant agencies, such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Fire Safety and Shelter Department, to accord priority to amendment plans for on-going projects that are switching to sustainable designs and materials.

Construction standards will also be reviewed, including those for manufactured steel.

Currently, the steel allowed here for structural construction is based on British standards. But the BCA said it would release, in the next three months, a change in guidelines which will allow for other standards of steel and the import of steel from sources such as the United States or Japan.

Industry experts agreed that the move towards sustainable construction methods would be good for the industry.

DP Architects director Tai Lee Siang said the use of steel would bring about a cleaner and faster construction process. "In terms of long-term sustainability and recycle ability, steel is also better than concrete," he added.

Mr Desmond Hill, president of the Singapore Contractors Association, said he would like to see developers become more flexible in the use of recycled building materials for non-structural components. This would help promote the use of sustainable materials in construction, he said.

On the manpower front, the BCA will run more courses to equip practitioners with better understanding of sustainable construction.

It is also in discussion with local universities to strengthen the curriculum on structural steel design.

Ms Fu also added that mining activity could start at the Kekek Granite Quarry in Pulau Ubin in three to six months. Reopening the quarry is part of the government's plans to make up for the granite shortfall facing Singapore.

Mining work may start at Kekek Quarry in 3-6 months: Grace Fu

23 April 2007
Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Mining activity could start at the Kekek Granite Quarry in Pulau Ubin in three to six months.

This is according to Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu.

Re-opening the quarry is part of the government's plans to make up for the granite shortfall facing Singapore, after supply was disrupted last month.

Meanwhile, authorities are also working to reduce granite and concrete prices.

It is still quiet at the granite quarries on Pulau Ubin, and a lot of work needs to be done before granite blasting begins.

This includes draining the pond and making sure that the marine life and surrounding environment are protected.

The National Development Ministry said there were no plans to mine granite in any large extent.

But the re-opening of the Kekek Quarry was a way of building up mining expertise and meeting industry needs in the near term.

The government has already released granite from its stockpile since supply from Indonesia was disrupted.

With new shipment arriving from alternative sources, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) hopes to adjust granite prices from May onwards.

Ms Fu said, "The way that we look at stockpile price is really to look at what is the replacement price, and because we have awarded several contracts on procurement of sand and granite, we think that there is some room for granite prices to come down and that is what BCA will do.

"The whole intention is to make sure that the construction cost in terms of the use of granite and concrete will be as competitive as we can, despite the higher cost of transportation, that it will reflect the market price as closely as possible."

This will, in turn, lower the price of pre-mixed concrete used in construction.

It hit a high of S$200 per cubic metre after the supply disruption.

But the price has now dropped to between S$170 and S$180.

Observers expect the price to dip further but they added that the key was to look at non-concrete options.

Tai Lee Siang, President, Singapore Institute of Architects, said, "In a very highly-urbanised environment like Singapore where buildings have to maximise its potential which means that buildings have to actually go high or go big - in these kind of buildings, it's very hard to go for alternative materials...yet, however for low scale development, I think (we) could see a combination of concrete and timber perhaps, and maybe in the future, more interesting alternatives that research could go into. So in Singapore, in this way, we are still very much lagging behind in looking for alternative materials."

Looking ahead, authorities will conduct more R&D - drawing from the Ministry's S$15 million research fund.

Industry players said the sand ban and disruption to granite supply has served as a wake up call to the construction sector to consider alternative building methods and materials used.

However, it is also important that the public understands what sustainable construction means.

The BCA has put up a three-week exhibition and published a coffee table book to do just that. - CNA/ms

'Minimal disruption'

By Tan Hui Leng, TODAY
16 April 2007

The Government’s initiative to restart the granite quarry on Pulau Ubin will have little impact on residents and the environment.

Two ministers gave this assurance yesterday to allay fears that excavation works will damage the rural charm of the island.

Singapore is exploring local sources of granite after Indonesia detained several barges carrying the material to Singapore.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said that the decision to open up the Kekek Quarry is to keep the Republic’s options open.

“(It’s) not so much to make up for the shortage because there is ample supply coming, but really to keep our options open and to help us learn and understand how to restart a quarry,” said Mr Mah, who was meeting new residents, permanent residents and foreigners at Tampines East yesterday.

The quarry on the offshore island to the northeast of Singapore has not been mined since 1999. “We want to restart in a small way so there is minimal disruption to the environment, minimal disruption to the livelihood of people,” he explained.

In fact, if negotiations with alternative sources in other countries bear fruit, and there is more than enough supply of construction materials coming in over time, there would be no need to expand work at Kekek, said Mr Mah, adding that Singapore has had offers from other countries.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim also addressed the subject during a ministerial visit to Tampines Central. “We work very closely with the Ministry of National Development to make sure that (the) quarrying activities will meet environmental standards … As far as we are concerned, it’s important for us because we need the granite, but we will do it in an environmentally friendly way,” he said.

On how the snag in granite supply is affecting the construction industry, Mr Mah said that there is no delay in projects as the construction industry has sufficient supply of material at present.

And raw materials will not be the only resource that the industry would have to watch closely. To cope with the vibrant construction sector, the employment rules for foreign workers — which were recently revised by the Manpower Ministry — may be relaxed further if the need arises, Mr Mah added.

“This boom in construction coincides with a worldwide boom. In Beijing, they’re building for the Olympics. In the Middle East, they’re rapidly building their various cities. It’s happening in Europe as well,” he said.

As such, Singapore may need to pay these workers more competitive salaries and this may push up the cost of construction in the Republic, he added. - TODAY/ra

马宝山：乌敏岛只是小规模采石花岗石来源充足就停采

联合早报 (Lianhe Zaobao)
By 唐海国
16 April 2007

为应付花岗石短缺而在乌敏岛展开的采石活动，将是小规模的，而一旦花岗石来源充足，采石活动也会停止。

国家发展部长马宝山昨天接见淡滨尼东新居民前受访时说，乌敏岛采石活动在1999年完全停止至今已有八年时间。重新采石除应付花岗石短缺问题之外，也为了跟进这方面的技术。

他也是淡滨尼集选区国会议员。他说：“采石活动将是小规模的，这样才不会对环境和周围居民的生活造成太大的影响。当供应充足时，我们就不需进一步开采。”

国家发展部政务部长傅海燕日前在国会上透露，为应付花岗石短缺的问题，政府已制订“开源节流”的方案，包括重启乌敏岛的采石业，以供应花岗石给本地的建筑业。

雅国：确保采石作业符合环境保护标准

建屋发展局将指定采石商，在未来几个月内在乌敏岛废弃多年的 可克石场（Kekek Quarry）进行有限度的采石活动，以了解重启采石业的准备工作。采石商须遵守安全和环境保护程序，以确保岩石开采是在顾及环保的前提下展开。

环境及水源部长雅国博士昨天访问淡滨尼集选区的淡滨尼中时，针对乌敏岛重新开采矿石问题时表示，环境部与国家发展部正在紧密合作，以确保采石作业符合环境保护标准。国家发展部一直都在咨询环境部的意见。

雅国说：“这（采石）对我们来说是很重要的，我们需要花岗岩，但我们一定要在对环境没有压力的情况下进行。”

另外，马宝山也说，陆沙已陆续进口，政府将继续填补库存，以备不时之需。花岗石和陆沙的供应已在恢复中，预料这些建筑原材料的价格很快就会稳定下来。

他说，到目前为止，也没有任何公共工程因沙石供应出现短缺现象而受到影响或延误。

马宝山说，新加坡建筑业正蓬勃发展，其他如中国、中东和欧洲的建筑业也一片火红，对工程师、督工和建筑工人的需求不断扩大。

他说，人力部已修改和放宽有关条例，让更多外地管理和技术人员到新加坡工作。“我们的薪金相当具竞争力，条件也很好，我相信这能吸引到一部分人，满足新加坡建筑业需求。有必要的话，政府也将进一步放宽条例。”

原材料和建筑员工短缺现象是否会造成建筑成本上升？马宝山说，这是必然的结果，但他相信目前的涨幅还是在能控制的范围内，政府也会密切留意上涨的趋势。

马宝山昨天在淡滨尼东民众俱乐部会见200名新公民和永久居民，向他们介绍区内的基层组织和各种基础设施。

采石活动将是小规模的，这样才不会对环境和周围居民的生活造成太大的影响。 ——马宝山

Reopening of Kekek Quarry on Pulau Ubin: No Cause for Worry

16 Apr 07
The New Paper
By Teh Jen Lee

WITH the reopening of Kekek Quarry for granite mining on Pulau Ubin, the island will once again live up to its name. The word 'ubin' means tile in Malay. Ubin was apparently named after the stone tiles that it produced before the last quarry shut down in 1999.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will have limited quarrying works at Kekek Quarry, the smallest of the seven former quarries on Ubin, located near the northern coast of the island.

This is done to understand the issues involved to restart work at other quarries since Singapore wants to ease its dependence on imported granite.

Kekek was chosen as it is furthest from the resident villages and Chek Jawa, the popular nature haven.

Residents of Ubin seem unaffected by the quarry's reopening. Madam Chen Siuzhen, 70, who has lived in Ubin since young, said in Mandarin: 'We stay far away from the quarry so we won't be affected.'

A resident of Ubin's Malay village who gave his name as Mr Ahmad said: 'I feel it's good because with more people working here, the ferry service may become more regular.'

From the choice of quarry to the details of the quarrying, BCA has tried to make the granite mining operations as safe and eco-friendly as possible.

For example, signs in the four main languages will update the public on the blasting schedule so that people can stay away from the quarry. Barricades will also be erected during blasting.

BCA will work with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to ensure that the mining will not affect the environment. NEA will assess the pollution control measures related to the crushing plant, which crushes big rock pieces into smaller stones, to ensure that noise and dust levels are managed. Water sprays and noise mufflers will be used where necessary.

A jetty will be constructed less than 200 metres from the quarry so that barges can be used to transport the granite to mainland.

NO NOISY TRUCKS

This means there won't be any heavy noisy trucks carrying the granite, thus reducing impact on the residents and wildlife at Ubin.

When quarrying is completed, the area will be rehabilitated and restored to preserve its rustic nature, said Mr Ong See Ho, director of BCA's building engineering division.

The National Parks Board (NParks) has surveyed Kekek and found that mining will have minimal impact on the diversity of plants and animal species.

There are 153 plant species around Kekek, most of which can be found in other parts of Singapore. Less common trees like the seashore nutmeg will be relocated to other parts of Ubin where possible.

As for wildlife, the 57 bird species found at Kekek are also found elsewhere, said NParks.

Based on NParks observations, made at Ketam Quarry in 1999, when the quarry was still functional, the sound blasts from limited quarrying does not affect wildlife on the island.

Work at Kekek is expected to start early next month.

Meanwhile, Singapore has started to buy granite from various regional countries. Industry sources said Singapore has been been trying to get granite from Vietnam and Myanmar. Shipments started arriving last month.

Granite is an essential component of concrete, along with sand. Since the supply of sand and granite have been disrupted, the price of ready-mixed concrete has skyrocketed from about $70 per cubic metre to over $180.

In the past week, two Japanese trade organisations complained to BCA about profiteering by concrete suppliers. The Japanese External Trade Organisation and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry also urged the Government to quickly compensate contractors who lose out on public projects because of the increase in prices.

To help the construction industry to cope with the increase in prices of concreting sand and granite, the Government will co-share up to three quarters of the increased costs for its ongoing projects. Sand used to cost about $20 a tonne, but now it's $60. A tonne of granite now costs $70, compared to $25 in the past.

Blasts from the past

15 April 2007
Straits Times
By Tan Dawn Wei & Jocelyn Lee

Loud explosions, flying rocks are set to return to Ubin with plans to mine granite there again. But will this add or subtract to life on the island?

LONGTIME Pulau Ubin resident Goh Lam Heng, 54, never used to need a watch.

'Every time I heard a blast, I knew that it was either 11am or 5pm,' said the owner of Sin Lam Huat Eating House and former quarry worker.

Like Mr Goh, many of the 60 or so residents still left on the island have either worked in the granite quarries or remember the loud daily explosions and flying rocks.

Now that the Government is re-opening one of the five disused quarries on the island for limited granite mining, Mr Goh and many fellow islanders are bringing out the Tiger beer.

'It'll be like old times again,' he said.

Mr Chin Tiang Hock, 75, who worked at two of the island's quarries for 38 years, suffers from breathlessness as a result of his long-term exposure to dust.

Nevertheless, he welcomes the re-opening of the quarries.

'People will come here again and this place will become lively once more,' he said.

Granite quarrying was once Pulau Ubin's lifeline. At its peak in the 1970s, there were eight quarries and more than 3,000 people living on the island.

That number has plummeted since then, especially after the last quarry was shut down in 1999.

Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu said in Parliament last Monday that the ministry plans to carry out limited quarrying at Pulau Ubin's Kekek Quarry to test the feasibility of jumpstarting Singapore's granite mining industry.

The plan has been drawn up in response to the disruption of granite supplies from Indonesia over the past few weeks, since the Indonesian navy detained a number of Singapore-bound granite barges suspected of carrying illegal sand shipments.

Mining operators will be invited to tender for the job in the coming months, the Building and Construction Authority said.

The good news for the industry is there is still plenty of granite on Pulau Ubin, said Mr Derrick Chee, managing director of Aik Hwa Group, the last company to pull out of the island in 1999.

The bad news is that the investment required to resume quarrying will be hefty.

Setting up a plant will cost in excess of $5 million because of the expensive equipment involved, said Mr Chee, whose father started the Ubin quarrying business in 1960 when he bought the 999-year lease on the site.

They will need drilling and crushing machines, excavators, lorries, barges, a jetty, magazines to store explosives and water pumps to drain the quarry pool.

Granite quarrying used to be a hazardous affair for its workers. Many suffered from silicosis, a respiratory disease caused by regularly inhaling silica dust over a long period of time.

Some even suffered hearing loss from the explosions.

The Government asked quarry owners to step up dust control measures in the 1970s. Workers were given earplugs, masks and goggles and required to go for X-ray examinations once a year.

Flying rocks were another problem. Workers had to take shelter from the blasts in steel cages more than 500m away.

'Whenever there was a larger explosion which blew up larger pieces of rock, we would ride our motorcycles and flee the area,' recalled retiree Ong Tin Huat, 53, who worked at various Ubin quarries from the age of 16 to 45.

He is hoping to be re-hired as a tractor driver when the quarry re-opens.

While residents like Mr Ong are happy, others are afraid all the activity will frighten off visitors.

Mr Vincent Chew, 39, owner of Chew Teck Seng provision shop, said: 'It can bring more business for me as more people come here to work. But tourists may not want to come here any more as they may be scared of the flying rocks and loud explosions.'

But with more efficient drilling machines and blasting techniques, there should be little to worry about, industry players said.

That is scant comfort for environmentalists, who believe the quarrying will have a negative impact on the island's biodiversity.

Dr Vilma D'Rozario, chairman of the education group of the Nature Society, visited Kekek Quarry last Saturday and saw many animals in the area, including in the quarry pool.

'Can we look at alternative materials instead of getting it raw from the quarry? Then we can save a wild habitat, which we already don't have much of,' she said.

But the National Parks Board has assessed Kekek Quarry's surroundings - documented 57 bird species and 153 plant species, most of which are common on Ubin - and given the green light.

Mr Chee does not think that the environmental impact will be too significant as long as mining operators are allowed to dig deeper rather than widen the quarries.

'If you go down to 100m below sea level, you will be excavating a lot of granite,' he said.

Currently, there is a limit on mining, up to a depth of 50m below sea level.

Mr Vincent Tan, 47, a parent volunteer for Tanjong Katong Secondary School who accompanies student groups to the island regularly for project work, said it will be a good opportunity for students to learn about mining.

'They will also get the chance to see for themselves what granite quarrying is all about,' he said.

Govt to further liberalise hiring of foreign construction workers

15 Apr 07
Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: Rules on hiring foreign construction workers may be further liberalised to meet rising demand.

This is according to National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan who was speaking at the sidelines of a welcoming event for foreigners residing in Tampines.

From the Integrated Resorts to projects at the Marina Bay area and residential developments islandwide, there is no doubt the construction industry is experiencing a boom.

And due to the rise in construction projects, developers are also facing a labour shortage.

Minister Mah said: "This boom in construction coincides with a worldwide boom in construction. In China, Beijing, they're building for the Olympics. In the Middle East, they're rapidly building their various cities. It's happening in Europe as well.

"Ministry of Manpower has revised its rules to free up some of the foreign worker policies as well as some of the supervisory manpower policies to allow more of such personnel to come and work in Singapore." Mr Mah also expects wages to increase due to the tight labour market.

On the issue of the increasing cost of construction materials like sand and granite, he said prices would stabilise soon because these materials are already being imported from other countries besides Indonesia. The materials will be used for current projects as well as for stockpiling purposes.

He said: "We're talking about reopening the quarry in Pulau Ubin, not so much to make up for the shortage because there is ample supply coming, but really to keep our options open and to help us learn and understand how to restart the quarry."

Mr Mah added that over time, if there is more than sufficient supplies coming in as expected, there would be no further expansion of granite mining at Pulau Ubin. - CNA/so

Leave Pulau Ubin and my wild-boar relatives alone

Not a concrete plan
Leave Pulau Ubin and my wild-boar relatives alone
Today Online 14 Apr 07
By Neil Humphreys

CYCLING was a far less complicated task in Singapore. You bought a bike, pedalled, and tried to avoid the karung guni man who always cycled on the wrong side of the road.

In Australia, you must wear a helmet. It's the law. That's not easy when you have an elephantine head like me. I'm now the proud owner of a shiny black headpiece that was designed for a hippo.

You also need a bell to cycle in built-up areas. So when I venture into public parks, I'm usually accompanied by my wife because her bike is equipped with a bell.

There's only one minor drawback. The moment her backside hits the saddle, she turns into Julie Andrews and pretends she's on a day trip with the Von Trapp family. We're no longer in an Australian park. We're in The Sound of Music.

"Hey, if you're going to come out with me, at least keep up," I shout. "Doe, a deer, a female deer/Ray, a drop of golden sun!," she cries.

"Do you have to sing Do Re Mi every bloody time we go out on a bike?"

"Far, a long, long way to run!"

"There are kids staring at you."

"Sew, a needle pulling thread!" This can go on for an hour.

Her other problem is the phantom snake attacks.

Her reasoning is extremely simple. There are snakes in Australia. And snakes can kill people. And my wife lives in Australia. Therefore, a snake will definitely kill her while she's queuing up to buy stamps in the post office.

Or when she's out cycling with me in public parks, where the phantom snakes usually strike during my wife's big finale. "Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do," she'll bellow. "Do Ti La … Snake! There's a snake!"

"That's not a snake," I reply after a quick glance at the grass. "It's a rolled-up newspaper."

"Oh, is it? Well, it could've been a snake. You can't be too careful." My wife certainly can't.

Newspapers, reeds, leaves, bottles and, most memorably, a cat have all been mistaken for murderous snakes during cycle rides.

Cycling was a less disruptive pastime in Singapore because I usually went out alone. My only concern there was to avoid the uncles who believed it was in keeping with The Highway Code to empty the entire contents of an HDB flat into a bike basket the size of an egg cup before pedalling through Toa Payoh. Oh, and they had to cycle on the wrong side of the road, of course.

So, to escape my wife and twilight collisions with karung guni men, I often headed for one of the world's greatest cycling tracks: Pulau Ubin.

To tell you the truth, I'm often reluctant to mention the island's name for fear of jolting an official from his slumber and into an action that will invariably involve cranes, bulldozers and a 10-year plan.

"Hey, you see this Dumpwee is talking about Pulau Ubin," he'll say to a colleague. " What's it got there ah?" "Er, solitude, greenery, indigenous wildlife, the last remnants of a kampung lifestyle and granite."

"Granite?! Really? Pass me the phone."

Pulau Ubin is an old, agrarian world of plantations, prawn farming and fishing. It's also home to the spirit of my late grandparents.

When I last cycled around the island, I was convinced I heard my nan and granddad arguing in the bushes. They turned out to be a couple of wild boars, but the similarities were startling.

The unspoken grunts, the lack of eye contact, the way the female turned her back on the male — it was all there.

But I love Pulau Ubin. There's no greater cycling destination. Any view that doesn't involve a laptop screen can be inspiring and the vistas at Ubin are breathtaking.

When I return to Singapore in a few months, Ubin will be one of the first places I will visit.

I always go for the silence. Granite mining at Kekek Quarry, however, is not a silent activity.

And, children pedal around Ubin to enjoy its unique biodiversity, not its concrete ingredients.

Whatever the final outcome, one of Singapore's biggest lungs must be protected. There should always be a place for my wife to sing Do Re Mi.

A Kekek Pictorial

Without a doubt, one of the most scenic and accessible quarry on Ubin, enjoy the quarry lake at Kekek before it disappears. After all, change is the only constant on Ubin. You never know what is here today, will not be there tomorrow.







Enjoy these photos of kekek before they disappear.
Better yet, go enjoy Kekek before it disappears!

Related Links

Kekek Photos on Flickr, Photos by November, last updated: 13 April 2007

Pulau Ubin residents welcome move to re-open granite quarries on island

By Dominique Loh,
Channel NewsAsia
13 April 2007

SINGAPORE : The recent impasse with Indonesia on granite supply has led to Singapore looking for alternative sources.

An old quarry mine on Pulau Ubin will be re-opened soon, after almost a decade.

Nature has taken over the granite quarries on Pulau Ubin.

Thick vegetation now surrounds the once massive pits. And after years of rainfall, tranquil lakes now fill the empty void.

Residents said the quarries were blasted and mined as early as the 1800s.

One resident, Vincent Chew, said, "When they're going to start the explosives, they'll raise the alarm and everybody will start hiding here and there....(they are) worried about the granite flying here and there."

The quarries are not depleted of their natural resources yet.

Channel NewsAsia visited several around the island, and granite cliffs can still be seen amidst the greenery.

Pulau Ubin lies northeast of mainland Singapore.

It was once a thriving centre for granite quarrying, employing several hundreds workers.

Aerial maps show seven distinct lakes, which are also where the quarries are located.

Associate Professor Wee Tiong Huan, Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore, said, "For the one in Pulau Ubin, as far as I know, it's no problem because it's been tested before...in the absence of granite, we can also use gravel, limestone..."

Residents said quarry operations stopped in the late 1990s.

They added that if quarry operations were revived, it would be a good thing for everyone on the island.

They also believe disruptions to their daily lives would be minimal.

Mr Chew said, "Of course they'll bring more workers into the quarry to work and we've got more business, but secondly we also worry about tourists. Once the quarries start, maybe the number of tourists will be reduced because of the explosives or something like that."

Residents hope Pulau Ubin will retain its rustic charms when quarrying resumes.

The island still attracts day trippers and nature lovers.

But over the years, more and more residents have moved out.

The village chief said the island is now home to some 60 people. - CNA/ms

Overview of Kekek Quarry

Click to enlarge image

Here is an overview of Kekek Quarry, soon to be reopened for granite quarrying, possibly in the following months. First, a tender would be put out. After that, a reliable source at a high level meeting informed those present that it will perhaps take 2-3 months in order for the water to be drained from the quarry. This will be done by pumping the water out to the Straits of Johor north of Kekek Quarry. Alternatives were suggested.

Landmarks on the satellite image are annotated according to a reconnaissance mission on 7th April 2007. The mission was to uncover if there is any life on Planet Kekek.

Results to be released. Meanwhile, a certain artist's impression of what Kekek will look like once it becomes active again. Impressions are based on how active quarries in the recent past looks like. Apologies for the poor artwork.


Click to enlarge image

Related Reads:

"A jewel that needs to be protected", Letter from Maryanne Maes, TODAY, reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 11 April 2007 *new*

"Pulau Ubin granite quarry may reopen", Business Times article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 10 April 2007 *new*

"为缓解石荒问题乌敏岛将恢复采石, Lianhe Zaobao article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 10 April 2007 *new*

"乌敏岛将恢复开采花岗岩, Lianhe Zaobao article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 10 April 2007 *new*

"S'pore may reopen Ubin granite quarry", Straits Times article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 10 April 2007

"缓解石荒　扩大来源　乌敏岛将恢复开采花岗石", Lianhe Zaobao article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 10 April 2007

"关闭十年 乌敏岛石场将恢复开采", includes a video of Kekek Quarry, Channel8 News Report reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 9 April 2007

"Singapore to reopen granite quarry-minister, Reuters article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 9 April 2007 *new*

"Isn't it time we start tightening our belts?", Habitatnews, 9 Apr 2007

"Kekek Quarry, Pulau Ubin: may be reopened for quarrying", Habitatnews, 9 Apr 2007

"Singapore looking to reopen granite quarry", CNA reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 9 Apr 2007

"Kekek Quarry, Pulau Ubin", Wildfilms Blog, 7 April 2007

"Ubin Journies Episode 1", PulauUbinStories, 7 April 2007

Background Information on Ubin Quarries

"Dangers of Granite Quarrying", 1993 Lianhe Wanbao report reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 24 Feb 2006

"Aerial Map of Ubin", explains the geology of Ubin Granite, PulauUbinStories, 20 Feb 2006

"Govt to develop Ubin Quarry into recreational park", 1998 Business Times Article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 28 Jan 2006

"Going off the Cliff", a ST report on cliffdiving at kekek quarry reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 13 September 2005

"The Quarries", PulauUbinStories, 5 April 2005

"Quarry Lakes", talks about Tianci, otherwise known as Kekek Quarry, PulauUbinStories, 28 March 2005

A jewel that needs to be protected

Don't destroy Ubin in the name of development
Letter from Maryanne Maes
Today Online
11 Apr 07

I refer to the report, "Old Ubin quarry may be up and running" (April 10).

It has come down to another age-old tussle in Singapore, between economic development and the natural environment.

I discovered the joys of Pulau Ubin only two years ago. One may not find much on this tiny island, except for some restaurants, bicycle shops, camp sites and a whole lot of nature. Nature is what draws visitors to the island, it is Singapore's jewel to locals and tourists. This place brings calm and spiritual rejuvenation, away from the city we live in.

There is Chek Jawa — the Nature Society had fought gallantly, a few years ago, against a Ministry of National Development (MND) plan to redevelop that parcel of land. Chek Jawa provides a rich source of mudflat species that feed many birds — including a lone pair of hornbills, among other wildlife that reside peacefully on the island.

I have taken many foreign friends to Ubin and many of them now visit it every other weekend.

The disruption of granite supplies to Singapore should be handled keeping in mind the environmental degradation to Singapore, should the quarry at Pulau Ubin be revived.

Many wildlife species have sought sanctuary around that area ever since the quarry was abandoned. Now that the MND is thinking of reviving the quarry, it could be seen as chasing away residents away from their homes after they have spent many years settling there — without welfare benefits.

Disruptive human activities will always create perpetual ripple effects that will irreversibly damage the environment.

Notwithstanding Singapore's economic development needs, we should be a responsible society.

Environmental impact assessments should be made prior to MND's plans to re-use the quarry, in consultation with nature experts such as the Nature Society and the public, and have the results publicised before MND makes any decision.

Any development on Ubin and the surviving nature parcels in Singapore warrants this move, because any ecological damage to this island will adversely affect tourism.

"Old Ubin Quarry May Be Up And Running"

Kekek Quarry Today.
Photo taken at Kekek Quarry, or tianci, in 2005.


Kekek Quarry Tomorrow.
Photo of Aik Hwa Quarry, the last quarry to close on Ubin in 1999.

Old Ubin Quarry May Be Up And Running
Loh Chee Kong
cheekong@mediacorp.com.sg
10 April 2007
TODAY

Jolted first by Indonesia's ban on sand exports and then the disruption of its granite supply, Singapore is taking more steps to ensure it will not be caught off guard again.

The Housing and Development Board, which owns the disused Kekek Quarry on Pulau Ubin, is looking into resuming mining at the site, Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu said.

It will not be a major supply source but the move will pave the way for other local granite sources to be tapped, should the need arise.

Said Ms Fu: "It is necessary to carry out some quarrying to understand the issues involved in reactivating quarries."

There are five disused granite quarry sites on Pulau Ubin. Bukit Timah Hill and Gali Batu were also sources of granite during Singapore's early development.

Nature-lovers who Today spoke to were concerned about the potential disruption to the rustic island. Said Mr Ben Lee, 45, who heads Nature Trekkers: "The natural surroundings, especially the eco-system, will be affected."

Ms Fu said the Ministry of National Development was "very mindful" of conservation and safety issues. The Kekek site was chosen for its distance from residential areas and proximity to sea transport, minimising "disruption to life on the island".

During blasting, warning sirens will be sounded and the area will be cordoned off. Blasting activities, she added, will not take place over the weekend or at night so as to preserve Pulau Ubin as a leisure getaway.

According to the National Parks Board, there will be "minimal impact" on the quarry's biodiversity. At the end of the mining exercise, efforts will be made to rehabilitate the quarry site, said Ms Fu.

Giving an update on the granite vessels being detained by Indonesia, Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo said investigations by the authorities there found seven of the 22 tugboats and barges were in violation of the land sand ban. Three Singaporean barge owners may be prosecuted in the Indonesian courts.

He said: "It is good that the matter is now transparent. If charges are pressed, they will defend themselves and the matter should be properly resolved in this way, according to the laws of Indonesia."

Habitatnews provided a satellite image of the quarry while Sivasothi provides insights or perhaps a forewarning of Singapore's resource consumption.

"So isn't it now finally time to consider tightening our belts? And start behaving as if resources are finite. And investing more in developing alternatives ahead of time?"

Related Reads:

"S'pore may reopen Ubin granite quarry", Straits Times article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 10 April 2007

"缓解石荒　扩大来源　乌敏岛将恢复开采花岗石", Lianhe Zaobao article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 10 April 2007

"关闭十年 乌敏岛石场将恢复开采", includes a video of Kekek Quarry, Channel8 News Report reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 9 April 2007

"Isn't it time we start tightening our belts?", Habitatnews, 9 Apr 2007

"Kekek Quarry, Pulau Ubin: may be reopened for quarrying", Habitatnews, 9 Apr 2007

"Singapore looking to reopen granite quarry", CNA reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 9 Apr 2007

"Kekek Quarry, Pulau Ubin", Wildfilms Blog, 7 April 2007

"Ubin Journies Episode 1", PulauUbinStories, 7 April 2007

Background Information on Ubin Quarries

"Dangers of Granite Quarrying", 1993 Lianhe Wanbao report reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 24 Feb 2006

"Aerial Map of Ubin", explains the geology of Ubin Granite, PulauUbinStories, 20 Feb 2006

"Govt to develop Ubin Quarry into recreational park", 1998 Business Times Article reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 28 Jan 2006

"Going off the Cliff", a ST report on cliffdiving at kekek quarry reproduced on PulauUbinStories, 13 September 2005

"The Quarries", PulauUbinStories, 5 April 2005

"Quarry Lakes", talks about Tianci, otherwise known as Kekek Quarry, PulauUbinStories, 28 March 2005

Pulau Ubin granite quarry may reopen

Matthew Phan
10 April 2007
Business Times Singapore

Need to tap local sources as Indonesia extends sand export ban

SINGAPORE is looking at reopening a former granite quarry on Pulau Ubin as part of a wider plan to diversify its sources of building materials.

One option is to 'tap our local granite sources, should the need arise', Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu told Parliament yesterday.

According to news reports over the past month, Indonesian officials have discussed extending the country's ban on exports of land sand to Singapore to include granite, which could affect the local building industry.

Indonesia has also detained several vessels carrying granite to Singapore, on suspicion they were smuggling sand.

On the Ubin quarry plan, Ms Fu said yesterday: 'It is necessary to carry out some limited quarrying to understand the issues involved in reactivating quarries, such as the preparatory works and time involved, and the mitigating measures to put in place. HDB (Housing and Development Board) will look into restarting one of its former quarries in Pulau Ubin.'

Foreign Minister George Yeo told Parliament yesterday that Indonesia has inspected the vessels it detained and updated the Singapore Government on the result. A note was received on Thursday, April 5, Mr Yeo said.

Twenty-two tugs and barges were detained. Seven are alleged to have violated the sand ban and others to have infringed other laws. Only three of the 22 vessels are Singaporean, Mr Yeo said.

Indonesia's foreign minister has 'assured me that the verification process would be transparent', he said. 'These cases will now be taken up through the legal process in Indonesia.'

Asked whether the detention of the vessels marks a 'diplomatic failure' or a failure of Asean, Mr Yeo said the matter is bilateral and Indonesia is within its rights to ban sand exports for environmental reasons. 'Officials have talked about various motives, but the official reason given to us is environmental and we have to take it at face value,' he said.

Indonesia and Singapore are mutually dependent and cooperate in other areas and must 'manage discrete problems on their own account', Mr Yeo said.

Meanwhile, Ms Fu said the government will share up to 75 per cent of the price increase in sand and granite to help local construction firms. She urged industry players to cooperate in other ways to cope with any disruption, saying public agencies have started to make progress payments on projects and private developers should do likewise.

The higher cost of sand and granite amounts to an estimated 2 per cent of overall project cost, Ms Fu said. 'That's not a very significant proportion and at its current state, the market is still in a very good position to benefit from the upswing.'

Clarification on 11 April 2007
Business Times Singapore

IN 'Pulau Ubin granite quarry may reopen' (BT, April 10), we said the government would share up to 75 per cent of the price increase in sand and granite to help local construction firms. The sharing arrangement is with all contractors on existing public sector projects, and not just local construction firms.

为缓解石荒问题乌敏岛将恢复采石

10 April 2007
联合早报
Lianhe Zaobao


为缓解石荒问题，乌敏岛将恢复开采花岗石。

印尼当局百般阻挠花岗石出口到新加坡，政府已制定一些方案，包括重启乌敏岛的采石业，以供应花岗石给本地的建筑业。

建屋发展局将指定采石商，在未来几个月内在乌敏岛废弃多年的可克石场（Kekek Quarry）进行有限度的采石活动，以了解重启采石业的准备工作。采石商须恪守安全和环境保护程序，以确保岩石开采在顾及环保的前提下展开。

国家发展部政务部长傅海燕昨天在国会回答惹兰勿刹集选区议员梁莉莉医生和潘丽萍有关政府如何应对花岗石短缺的口头询问时，透露这个消息。

她说，政府的方针是尽量扩大花岗石的来源，维持储备石料的库存，同时也跟业者合作，鼓励他们采用可持续建筑法（sustainable construction）。

“如果需求持续提高，其中一个选项是依靠我们自己的花岗石。因此，（我们）须要展开有限度的采石活动，以了解重启采石业带来的问题，例如所需的准备工作和时间，以及如何减轻采石活动对环境的影响。”

傅海燕说，政府绝对会要求采石商在采石过程中做好全面的环境保护和安全措施，包括照顾好石场附近的生态环境、炸石时的安全措施、控制炸石带来的尘土等。有限度采石活动结束后，有关当局也会恢复石场的原来模样。

选择在可克石场开采花岗石，是因为这个石场距离岛上民宅较远，采石活动对岛上居民的影响可以降至最低。采石活动只会在平日和白天进行，不会在周末和晚上进行。运输花岗石到本岛的码头设在石场附近，而不是现有的码头。

乌敏岛将恢复开采花岗岩

10 April 2007
联合早报
Lianhe Zaobao

为缓解石荒，政府将在乌敏岛废弃多年的可克石场（Kekek Quarry），恢复开采花岗石，以供应花岗石给本地的建筑业。

建屋发展局将指定采石商在未来几个月内在可克石场进行有限度的采石活动，以了解重启采石业的准备工作。采石商须恪守安全和环境保护程序，以确保岩石开采在顾及环保的前提下展开。

国家发展部政务部长傅海燕昨天在国会回答惹兰勿刹集选区议员梁莉莉医生和潘丽萍有关政府如何应对花岗石短缺的口头询问时，透露这个消息。

白沙—榜鹅集选区议员张有福则问傅海燕，政府会否借这个机会向邻国展示开采花岗石可以在不破坏环境的前提下展开。

傅海燕说，政府绝对会要求采石商在采石过程中做好全面的环境保护和安全措施。

S'pore may reopen Ubin granite quarry

10 April 2007
Straits Times
Tan Hui Yee
tanhy@sph.com.sg

Limited quarrying to be done to test feasibility of restarting operations

SINGAPORE is looking to reopen a former granite quarry in Pulau Ubin to pave the way for a local source of the rock.

This move is in addition to others being taken to guard against future disruption in supplies, following Indonesia's detaining of barges and tugboats carrying granite here.

The detention of the more than 20 vessels came a few weeks after Indonesia banned the export of land sand. The combined effect of the supply dip in sand and granite hiked the price of ready-mixed concrete to about $200 per cubic metre - almost three times.

Sand and granite are key ingredients in concrete.

The detention of the barges has also made tugboat owners wary about carrying granite to Singapore, although Indonesia has not officially banned the export of granite.

Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu, speaking in Parliament yesterday, said her ministry would keep all its options open and plan for all contingencies.

One of these options was to tap local sources of granite should the need arise. But before this can be done, the Government needs to carry out limited quarrying work to understand the issues involved in restarting work in former quarries.

The Housing Board has identified Pulau Ubin's Kekek Quarry for this purpose.

Ms Fu assured the House that the discharge of water from the quarry pit will be managed to protect marine life, blasting work will be restricted to weekdays and the day time, and the area will be rehabilitated once quarrying is over to preserve the flora and fauna there.

She also stressed that Pulau Ubin will continue as a leisure spot.

The planned quarry, Kekek, is among the smallest of seven former quarries on Ubin. Quarrying activities in Singapore last ceased in 1999 when it became more economical to import granite from Indonesia.

Meanwhile, granite has been arriving without a hitch from other sources in the region, even as the ministry has been working to increase the number of these sources.

In response to MP Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC), who asked what was being done to prevent construction firms from jacking up prices without reason, Ms Fu said the Government was releasing suitable sites for the manufacture of ready-mixed concrete.

Some contractors have said that producing their own ready-mixed concrete would help them get around possible profiteering by those who supply concrete, or sand and granite.

About 10 ready-mixed concrete manufacturers are in business here.

Construction group Lian Beng's director, Mr Tan Swee Hong, said of producing his own concrete: 'This will put pressure on the ready-mixed concrete makers, as well as the sand and granite suppliers. I can always say 'I'll import the material myself'.'

In the House yesterday, MPs Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Irene Ng (Tampines GRC) asked whether the prices of sand and granite released from the Government stockpile could be cut.

Stockpiled sand is now being sold at $60 per tonne, compared to its pre-ban market price of about $20, while stockpiled granite is now going at $70 per tonne, up from its previous price of about $25.

Replying, Ms Fu said stockpiled sand and granite was being priced at what it would cost to replenish the stockpile from various sources.

The private sector is also being encouraged to import its own supplies.