Nuclear Power Plant: More Harmful or Beneficial?

Recently, there was much debate on whether a nuclear reactor should be built in Singapore. To me, as an ordinary citizen in Singapore, I completely oppose to this approach because the construction of nuclear power plants causes more harms than benefits.

Security issues are the main concerns of people. Building nuclear power plants is a very dangerous thing. Experts have repeatedly stated, to be safe, the are in the radius of thirty kilometers around the nuclear reactor is dangerous, and is not habitable. There is already so little land in Singapore, if a nuclear power plant is built, at least half of Singapore is not suitable for any activity. For example, if the nuclear power plant built in Jurong, once an accident happens, the only place left safe may only be Changi. Singapore has a very high population density, if a nuclear reactor is really constructed, we will only have of Singapore's land left to be used, and the public would definitely oppose to this.

Moreover, we cannot predict the future. Although Singapore is rather safe for now, there is still a possibility that natural disasters may hit us. When natural disasters hit Singapore, and a nuclear leak happens, almost the whole of Singapore will be affected. We should not risk so many people’s lives just to solve an issue of little electricity available. Even if we can have the best preventive measures, in the event of an accident, all precautions are in vain. We all saw the seriousness of the Japanese nuclear leak. People infected by the radiation had increased risk of cancer and newborn children may be deformed. Now, Singapore has in the face of low fertility rate, and if the child is still born deformed, Singapore's future is very bleak.

People have suggested that we can build nuclear power plants underground. However, if the plant is underground, a nuclear leak and troubles of radiation would be less likely to be detected. If it is not treated in time, it will cause more damages and losses. Furthermore, the radiation leakage will directly affect the soil, threatening plant growth, resulting in a horrendous Singaporean environment. To make things worse, if there is radiation leak contaminates our water supply, we would be in serious trouble. If imported water from Malaysia is insufficient, many Singaporeans would die of a lack of water. The construction of a nuclear power plant can lead to such a terrible crisis, is there really a need for us to take the risk?

Even if no security problems arise, other problems will emerge. When neighboring countries hear that Singapore is going to build nuclear power plant, they would start suspecting us of creating nuclear weapons. This will make the other countries unhappy with the Singaporean government, and have a bad relationship with us as a result. Then, Singapore’s reputation built up over five decades would be lost overnight. At that time, all regret is too late. Can we really bear such consequences?

One such example is North Korea. They have emphasised that they are only development nuclear power, and not nuclear weapons. However, countries do not believe them, and cause the sour relationships with other countries. Can the Singaporean government bear that, looking at our dependency on other countries’ ties with us right now?

Finally, if Singapore really wants to build nuclear power plants, the budget for education, health care and basic facilities would be greatly reduced. Undoubtedly, this would cause dissatisfaction and the community will certainly oppose to it. The government may also raise taxes, and the public would be even more displeased. Without the public’s support, the government would not be able to accomplish anything.

A lot of funds are needed to build a nuclear power plant, which could use up all the reserves Singapore have currently. This would result in our beloved country fall into an economic crisis. Such serious consequences may arise just to save costs on the import of oil. Is it worth it?

Therefore, I conclude that the building of the nuclear plant is definitely more harmful than beneficial, and thus it should not be done. I strongly believe majority of the Singaporeans would agree with my stand, and I hope the government would not act rashly on this matter as well.

(Adapted from my Chinese Chinese Current Affairs Script)