Destruction of Chek Jawa Will be a Loss for All
I read with concern to the letter "Chek Jawa reclamation decided after careful Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) study" (ST July 27), about the plans for Tanjong Chek Jawa I took five families to view the sandflats there on Sunday morning. The tide was very low then. We were mesmerized by what we saw. The diverse marine life trapped in the tidal pools was exactly what Dr Geh Min alluded to in the letter, "Chek Jawa's natural beach should be preserved" (ST, July 22): "It was like a gift from Heaven."
There were numerous large carpet anemones, different coloured peacockanemones, huge horned sea stars, common sea stars, sand stars, brittle stars, sponges, sea cucumbers, coral fishes, an assortment of crabs, sand dollars and much more which I had problems identifying.The children had a busy time reflecting on what they saw. It was definitely a feast for the senses. This dazzling display is such a rare sight in Singapore.
To this day, I remain spellbound by the newly-discovered treasures. I was elated yet sad that I had not known about this site earlier. I am now even more sad that all these will be lost to land reclamation.
Chua Ee Kiam (Straits Times Forum Page, July 28 2001)
Chek Jawa reversal courageous
The report, "Ubin's nature beach gets a reprieve" (ST, Dee 21), augurs well for the conservation of our natural heritage. The mud and sandflats of Tanjong Chek Jawa are an important treasure trove that must be preserved.
I applaud the courageous move by Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan to reverse the earlier decision by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, explained in the letter, "Chek Jawa reclamation decided after careful study, (ST, July 27).
I also wish to commend him on his decision to visit the site to see for himself what is at stake. The efforts of the Nature Society and individuals to educate the authorities and the public have not gone unnoticed. It is a great day for nature conservation in Singapore.Chua Ee Kiam (Straits Times Forum Page, 22 Dec 01)
