Semakau 20May08

From KH

I went for the Public Service Week event at Semakau Landfill today. It was truly an educational trip and I encourage everyone to visit it if there is a chance. We gathered at Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal at 2pm and took a 20-minute ferry ride to the landfill. The landfill is actually made up of two separate islands - Pulau Sakeng and Pulau Semakau. Bunds were built around the islands to form the present Semakau Landfill. Despite being a landfill, there is no stench or houseflies on the island. This is because most of the wastes have been incinerated and turned to ash on the mainland.

Map of Semakau Landfill

The island is now opened to the public for a few types of activities, but only specific agencies can conduct these activities. The main activities here are:

Inter-tidal Walk - Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research

Sports fishing - Sports Fishing Association (Singapore)

Bird-watching - Nature Society (Singapore)

Star-gazing - The Astronomical Society of Singapore

The mudflat here is said to be better than that of Chek Jawa! Expect to see sea creatures like sponges, corals, anemones, starfishes, sea cucumbers, shellfishes, sea slugs, crabs, etc. The Sports Fishing Association has recorded 17 species of large marine fishes, including the ferocious-looking barracudas, and other large fishes like groupers, snappers, etc. They adopt a catch-and-release practice. 66 species of birds had been recorded from the island and many of them were migrants. Today, I managed to spot the star bird of Semakau - the Great-billed Heron. However, I did not have a chance to go around on my own, so did not see many birds other than Paddyfield Pipits, Eurasian Tree Sparrows, Scaly-breasted Munias, Spotted Doves, Pacific Swallows and Swiftlets.

Other activities such as camping and cycling are also permitted on the island provided it is corresponded to the National Environment Agency (NEA).

The opening to the sports fishing lagoon

The landfill is expected to sustain our present waste disposal for about 50 years. In order to lengthen its lifespan, it is necessary that we cut down on the waste we generate on the mainland. The concept of the 3Rs is important in achieving this objective. Hence, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as much as possible!