WWLegal.com :: Preservation Of Monuments Board Proposes Stronger Measures To Better Protect National Monuments

Preservation Of Monuments Board Proposes Stronger Measures To Better Protect National Monuments
Posted on Friday, August 04, 2006 - 07:00 PM

To better protect and preserve Singapore’s built heritage, the Preservation of Monuments Board (PMB) is proposing major amendments to the Preservation of Monuments Act – the first time since the Act was enacted in 1971. The amendments will enable the Board to deal more effectively with errant building owners and also allow it to institute stricter measures in the protection of Singapore’s 55 national monuments.

While most owners have responsibly maintained the dignity of Singapore monuments, the penalties stipulated in the existing Act are insufficient to protect them against errant owners. In some cases, the damages inflicted on the monuments are serious enough to be irreparable.

“With our short history, Singapore’s national monuments are relatively few compared to other cities worldwide. These historical buildings are all the more precious and invaluable to our nation building and serve as powerful reminders of our immigrant beginnings and common roots. It is therefore important for us to ensure that they continue to withstand the passage of time and urban progress,” said Mr Alfred Wong, Chairman of PMB.

Enacted on 29 Jan 1971, the Preservation of Monuments Act establishes and incorporates PMB as the authority to preserve monuments of historic, traditional, archaeological, architectural or artistic interest for the nation. Included in the Act are:
1. The members, objectives and powers of the Board
2. The powers to enter the monuments
3. The power of the Minister (in this case Minister of Information, Communications and the Arts) to make preservation orders
4. The effect of the preservation order
5. The maintenance of monuments
6. Compulsory acquisition of monuments
7. Rules, exemptions and penalties governing monuments

The proposed amendments to the Act include new provisions to enhance the PMB’s enforcement powers, a higher penalty framework for errant offenders and requirement for owners to maintain the monuments.

The key new provisions are:
a) The Board may engage enforcement officers to carry out the functions under the Act.
b) The onus for the proper maintenance of a monument will reside with the owner or occupier.
c) The Board will be empowered to take remedial measures to protect the monuments.
d) The Board will have more say on works carried out on monuments by owners, and stiffer penalties may be imposed on persons for damaging monuments.
e) A Monument Protection Zone will be declared for areas surrounding the monument. The type of activities allowed in the zone will be restricted.
f) Vandalism of any monument will be punishable and the offender will also have to pay for the restoration of the monument.

The Board is inviting all owners of national monuments to share their views on the proposed changes through written feedback or face-to-face meetings. This consultation exercise which will take place in August is expected to complete by early October 2006.

For more information on the amendments to the Preservation of Monuments Bill, please contact:
Wan Meng Hao (Mr)
Executive Secretary, Preservation of Monuments Board
DID: (65) 6332 7934
HP: 9388 6159
E-mail: wan_meng_hao@nhb.gov.sg

News