A First for Singapore: Land Below the Waves

Singapore has achieved a significant milestone in land reclamation, completing the main construction of a polder on Tekong Island. This marks the first time the nation has reclaimed land lying below the mean sea level, a feat accomplished through the innovative empoldering method. The project is strategically designed to support military training and, crucially, to free up valuable space on the mainland for residential and amenity development for Singaporean citizens.

Empoldering: A Enduring Alternative to Conventional Reclamation

Traditionally,Singapore’s land reclamation relied heavily on infilling with sand to create land above sea level. Though, the empoldering method offers a more sustainable solution.According to project data, this new approach has resulted in approximately 50% savings in sand usage compared to traditional methods. This reduction is especially important given global concerns about sand scarcity and the environmental impact of sand dredging.

The empoldering process involves constructing a coastal dike – a robust barrier against the sea – alongside a sophisticated network of drains and water pumping systems. A stormwater collection pond further enhances the polder’s resilience. These integrated features work in concert to protect the reclaimed land from the increasing threats posed by rising sea levels and more intense rainfall patterns driven by climate change.

At its lowest point, the Tekong polder sits approximately 1.2 meters (almost 4 feet) below average sea level, demonstrating the engineering precision involved in this project.

Timeline and Future Handover

The main construction phase of the Tekong polder has been completed in 2024. Final commissioning of all infrastructure components is slated for completion in 2025. Following this, the site will be officially handed over to two key government agencies: PUB, Singapore’s national Water Agency, and the Ministry of Defense. This handover will allow both agencies to begin utilizing the reclaimed land for their respective purposes.

What is Empoldering?

Empoldering is a land reclamation technique originating from the Netherlands. It involves