1.5 years working in NEA and finally it's my turn to visit Semakau Landfill! As part of orientation for new NEA officers, we are suppose to get a chance to visit Singapore's one and only landfill site. Unfortunately, I came in at a wrong time and when it's supposedly my turn, it was our peak season and I just couldn't take time off to go.
Then again, it's through my job that I learnt that in November, the public can visit for *free! I informed ALL my grassroots, knowing that many will be excited for a sight-seeing outing and glad to know many of my RCs managed to seize good slots this year!
My Buona Vista RC was also kind enough to let me follow them on their trip knowing how keen I was to go. So here we are, at Semakau Landfill in early November!
*The Semakau Landfill tour is actually conducted free-of-charge by NEA, but the ferry, which is from private contractors, cost a bomb. November is free as it is our Clean and Green month, however, from next year March onwards, Semakau will be closed till further notice.
Mini bus tour to bring us around the site. I thought this was a great idea since many of my grassroots were elderly and couldn't walk for long. Allowing them to sit in the comfort of an air-con bus to tour is bliss.
Just before entering the site which stores the incinerated waste.
Incinerated waste from the incineration plants are brought here to tip off. Excavation trucks will then load them up to fill up the landfill.
Man-made mangroves. Grown as part of Singapore's conservation efforts and acts as indicators for the condition of the waters around the landfill!
Semakau Landfill is actually made up of 2 islands - Pulau Semakau and Pulau Sakeng. The entire perimeter of the landfill is surrounded by a 7km rock bund of impermeable membrane to prevent the incinerated waste from leaking out into the sea. Cost of this rock bund with impermeable geomembrane - a whooping $400m.
This was taken during one of our stop where we were allowed out of the bus to enjoy the scenery and step on the expensive rock bund. Co-existing with this landfill is a vibrant marine ecosystem and home to many nature birds and wildlife. We did manage to spot some fishes and big bird species. The tour guide mentioned that on lucky days, you can spot an otter family, mini sharks and komodo dragons too.
The landfill is also divided into segments, and being filled up in phases.
A beautiful bed of grass embedded with our landfill waste underneath.
Love the clear blue waters in this picture. No filter whatsoever!
I shall not elaborate too much about the incineration or landfill process otherwise I can go on and on forever. But to find out more, do check NEA's website for more information. Of course best is to make a trip there to take a look for yourself. It was a short but fulfiling trip. I thought this is a good way to educate people - by bringing them to see the process with their own eyes. We can give talks and quizzes and set up exhibition booths to educate people, but nothing beats seeing the huge amount of waste thrown by ourselves every single day.
Next up, porridge buffet for lunch at Crystal Cafe, Orchard Grand Court!
Nothing fancy about the spread, just normal food that goes with porridge. Feels like home-cooked food with a huge variety of food choices!
The highlight was definitely the durian melaka paste, which was wiped out every time a new batch comes.
It was a fruitful trip, first time at Semakau and for once, I was part of the grassroots, not working during their events. =D
Love,
M
(Stef, where are you??)
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