The Constitution of Singapore does not state any legal provisions on the protection of the environment. There are no acts or laws set into a framework for this protection nor the management of resources to provide it. Many countries have mandatory regulations that citizens must adhere to, such as vehicle emission controls. No legislation has made those accountable to assess the impact that actions of citizens and big businesses have on the environment. There have been rules that have not been enforced. Legal responsibility for those committing large acts of pollution has never been followed through by any judicial means. There are administrators, but what they actually do, remains in question. Any progress, or rescue, has not been provided by the constitution, which leaves the environment of the small island in jeopardy. Smaller, more independent government agencies have done what they are able to do with regards to waste management and zoning to ensure proper usage of the limited land, but more is needed to be accomplished and these small agencies need help. The tourism industry depends on it, as well as the local businesses and luxury hotels Singapore businesses support.
The island is small and the population is dense. Which affords the city state one less concern as in larger urban cities, mining and large scale farming and agriculture industries are virtually non-existent. There just is not enough room, which for Singapore, is a blessing in disguise as these industries have been known over and over, to pollute the air, the surrounding land and the waters by which the operate. There is industry in Singapore however, and vehicle emissions and hospital bio-hazards that have not been controlled. And the dire need for some kind of legislation exists as the island is a rain forest. Recently there has been progress made in that the government offers rebates to those who chose to install such energy saving devices as solar panels and water conservation mechanisms. A governmental rebate is now available, as well, to those who chose to purchase the new electric scooters that are being put on the market this month. However, critics claim that the programs are too scattered and need a cohesive and decisive structure and plan to conserve the energy and protect the environment on the island.
Related posts: