Works for Long Island to begin off East Coast Park end-2026

Preparatory works for Singapore's ambitious coastal protection initiative known as "Long Island" are set to begin by the end of 2026. The announcement comes after an environmental study commissioned by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) concluded that these initial steps will have an "overall minor impact" on the surrounding environment. The project, described as a long-term strategy to safeguard Singapore against rising sea levels, involves extensive planning and execution over several years.

The preparatory efforts will unfold in two distinct phases. The first phase is scheduled to commence at the end of 2026 and will focus on areas west of Bedok Jetty. This phase will cover approximately 570 hectares—comparable in size to 800 football fields—and extend roughly 7 kilometers in length from east to west, with a width of up to 1 kilometer from north to south. These preparatory actions include removing obstacles from the seabed and constructing temporary sand bunds and infilling. The work will take place at least 130 meters offshore, marked by silt screens and floating barriers to delineate the construction zones.

The ultimate goal of Long Island is to create an additional reservoir, enhancing Singapore's water resilience, and generating new land for future development needs. Given its geographical vulnerability as a low-lying island nation, Singapore has emphasized the importance of proactive measures against climate change impacts. Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat highlighted the necessity of early planning and decisive action in addressing potential threats posed by global warming.

The environmental impact assessment was conducted by DHI Water and Environment, beginning in February 2025. During this period, relevant authorities engaged with natural conservation groups to gather insights and adjust the study's parameters accordingly. According to the findings, water quality within the region is anticipated to remain stable, continuing to satisfy current standards for marine environments. However, some localized changes might occur in wave patterns and currents near Bedok Jetty, potentially affecting certain water-based activities.

Despite these considerations, beaches located within East Coast Park will remain accessible for near-shore swimming, and all recreational pathways will stay open for jogging and cycling. Nevertheless, some sea sports enthusiasts may experience disruptions due to reduced access to specific areas along the coast. Kiteboarders appear to be the most significantly impacted group, although other participants in maritime sports could face minor to moderate effects.

To address concerns raised by the community regarding the impact of these preparatory works, Sport Singapore (SportSG) acknowledged the potential challenges faced by East Coast Park users. While specifics were not detailed in available communications, it is clear that efforts are underway to manage and minimize any adverse effects on both the environment and local communities.

Looking ahead, the second phase of preparatory works, spanning approximately 155 hectares, is slated to commence post the 2029 Southeast Asian Games. This phased approach aims to balance infrastructure development with maintaining public access to recreational spaces. As the project progresses, continuous monitoring and adaptation strategies will likely play crucial roles in ensuring that ecological integrity remains intact while meeting the objectives of expanding land area and improving water security for Singapore.