Summary on Land supply

Definition

Land constraint is the limited amount of land to be developed for various uses.

Causes

Rising demand for land

Firstly, there is population growth. As the number of people increases, the available resources would have to be shared among more people, thus adding pressure to the land. This results in demands for more land. Then, there is housing. A growing population will require more houses, thus more land will be used to build more houses for people. Also, providing jobs are extremely essential for a growing population. One way is to expand industries, which will require more land. Furthermore, as the country develops, more roads and railways have to be built as a good transport network is important for the movement of goods, materials and people. In addition, the production of food increases due to increasing populations, thus more arable land is needed. Lastly, with more people, more recreational spaces have to be provided for pleasure and relaxation. Thus, more land needs to be set aside for these.

Limited land supply

Land makes up 30 percent of the Earth but not all are useful. Areas like swamps, marshes and coastal areas are constantly water - logged and deserts are too dry to be of any use. Besides these, there are also lands that are ruined by mining and old farming practices. Even areas which can be used are set aside for other uses, such as water catchment areas and military training grounds. This means that what little is left for housing and industries.

Responses to rising demand for land

- increasing cost of land

- Increase supply of land

{ Done through land clearance, development, land reclamation, empoldering, reclamation of derelict land, maximisation of use of existing land and agricultural land use , mixed land use, terracing, soil - less farming and conservation of land}

Reflection

Personally, this chapter has got me thinking about my future in Singapore. One day, Singapore will eventually run out of land. If this should happen, what am I to do? I might possibly inherit our family's house but that is not certain. Well, I'll think more about when I get my first pay^_^

Tabitha Chiam