Singapore’s Supersized Tents: Turning Tanjong Pagar Terminal into a “Couch‑Care” Clinic
When the Signal Lights Turned On
On a chilly Tuesday in May, the Terminal‑pigeon‑dodging “Tanjong Pagar” suddenly found itself hosting an army of mask‑wrapped workers. The Ministry of National Development, acting like a mid‑season gadget‑maker, said the half‑finished tents can fit up to 3,500 people.
The Minister’s Tik‑Tock‑Hang‑Out
- Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean posted Instagram‑style snapshots on Facebook, showing the space already set up with beds, cooling units, and fans. It’s basically the “mobile hospital” of the year.
- He emphasised: the tents are a step‑down care facility where patients can gently recover while enjoying proper social distancing—no over‑crowded “shuffle‑and‑wait” mood.
- Behind every room’s coolers and fans is a promise: “every patient stays cool, both literally and figuratively.”
Freeing Up the Big Hospitals
Hospitals are swirling with serious cases, so moving mild and recovering patients to Tanjong Pagar (plus other community spots like Changi Exhibition Centre and the Expo) is a strategic move. Think of it as “hospital‑to‑home” meets “vacation‑style” rehab.”
Team Effort, Tiny Timeline
Teo thanked agencies and private partners for pulling together in “a whirlwind of weeks.” The result: a fully prepared site, ready for the next wave.
What’s Next?
The minister remains on the frontlines, advising a multi‑ministry taskforce tackling the Covid crisis in foreign‑worker dormitories. As Singapore’s daily case numbers climb—thanks in part to relentless testing—this temporary facility is set to keep the hospitals from hitting maximum capacity.
Turning an Old School into a Home for Essential Workers
The plan is simple: make a safe, comfy camp where our temporary foreign staff can live and work without missing a beat.
What the Site Looks Like
- Former Nexus International School at 201 Ulu Pandan Road – a blank‑slate hit‑box for 1,000 people.
- Bright tents with individual beds and fully‑fitted floating accommodations.
- All the essentials – meals, showers, laundry – right there, no need to wander outside.
When the Workers Will Move In
Renovations kick off this month; expect the first wave of workers to arrive by mid‑June. Hamilton has the word: this is a self‑contained eye‑catcher for the city.
The “Mr. Safe” Guarantee
On Monday, MP Christopher de Souza posted on Facebook, reassuring local residents:
“This campus will function as a full‑service, all‑in‑one environment.
Workers’ meals and amenities are covered, and we’ll keep the noise and traffic at a minimum.”
And he promised a step‑by‑step approach to maintain workers’ health and safety while keeping the neighborhood calm.
Why It Matters
- It keeps essential people – from the HSE ward staff to logistics crew – close to the action.
- Everyone stays happy, healthy, and tucked away in a secure spot.
- Local residents can breathe easy knowing the community is being protected.
We’ll keep you posted on the next page of the story. The details were originally shared by The Straits Times – read on for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak. Stay safe, stay informed.
