Two national monuments to get funding for restoration works

SINGAPORE: Two of Singapore’s national monuments will receive funding for restoration works from the government’s National Monuments Fund (NMF).

St Joseph’s Church and Abdul Gafoor Mosque will receive nearly S$670,000 in total for urgent restoration works and structural repairs.

The church will get some S$532,000 for restoration of its stained glass windows, while the mosque will receive S$137,500 for repair works to its roofs.

Ms Jean Wee, director of the Preservation of Monuments Board (PMB), said: "The PMB encourages monument owners to be responsible for their buildings.

"Hence, the NMF grant operates on a co—funding principle, and enables monument owners to kick start some work while rallying their immediate community and stakeholders to support their preservation efforts.

"We are heartened that many monument owners have taken very positive and proactive steps. We hope that with everybody chipping in, our national monuments can continue to stand as witnesses to our shared history, and benefit future generations of Singaporeans."

NMF is a S$5 million co—funding scheme over five years, introduced in 2008 by the government, to assist owners of non—profit and non—commercial national monuments in their preservation efforts.

The fund grants up to S$1 million per calendar year and complements monument owners’ fundraising efforts for their restoration projects. The grant is disbused following the completion of the work.

Since 2008, 11 monuments have benefited from the fund. The National Heritage Boards said a total of over S$3.65 million has been granted to date, including the latest two grants.

— CNA/al