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Granite Release then sand......
Indonesia releases five of 12 barges carrying granite: Mah
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 10 May 2007 2122 hrs
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 Granite import for Singapore |
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SINGAPORE: Indonesian authorities have released five of the 12 barges carrying granite which had been detained.
This was revealed by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan on Thursday.
Speaking at a Building and Construction Authority dinner, Mr Mah said the price of concrete is falling as alternative supply sources of sand and granite kick in.
He added that the BCA is also looking at a new scheme to co-share the risks that companies face, when they turn to new supply sources.
Mr Mah said, "Seven of them are still being detained?we hope that all of them will be treated in a transparent manner. So [for example] if they have violated any rules or any laws there?the legal process would take its course.
"However, if not, I think they should be released soon. This is the position we've taken so we'll continue to monitor the situation.
"But as far as granite supply is concerned, so far we've not received a granite supply and of course the sand ban is still on.
The sand ban, as Indonesia said, was due to an environment reason, so I think we've indicated that we're very willing to help deal with the environment issue and the offer is still available?so if we can work on that basis then there might be a resumption of the sand. We'll wait and see what happens."
Mr Mah added that the recent disruption in the supply of sand and granite is a wake-up call to the industry.
It forced Singapore to look at how to switch to sustainable construction and diversify its supply sources.
Mr Mah noted that the industry has started to open up alternative supply sources of sand and granite.
And these efforts, he said, must continue.
But diversifying supply comes with risks.
To encourage the industry to import from more sources, the BCA is setting up a new co-sharing scheme to help companies share the risks and costs.
And already, industry associations have agreed on cost-sharing, which will also apply to the private sector.
Mr Mah also listed three key elements needed for Singapore to develop world-class standards.
These are environmental and construction sustainability, as well as barrier-free accessibility.
His said his ministry is pushing for green building technologies, and this means using materials that are recyclable and are readily available from many sources.
"Just as in the case of Newater, can we find an alternative for sand and granite which is economically viable and readily available? Can we find the equivalent, say a "NewConcrete", perhaps?
"And this is important because if we can successfully, on a longer sustained basis, find these various alternatives, then our dependence will be reduced, and the resilience of our industry will be that much stronger.
And that could very well be the next buzz word.
The MND Research Fund for the Built Environment, which was launched early this year, has received 63 proposals from the public and private sectors.
40 of these are related to sustainable development and energy efficiency.
13 will be getting S$8.3 million in funding support. - CNA/yy
I think tomorrow will cheong again......look at the last minute buy after closing during matching today....
0.35 should be no problem..
