WATER FEATURES ISLANDWIDE

To plan and implement ABC Waters systematically throughout Singapore, the island was divided into three, each under a watershed manager. CH2M Hill, CPG and Black & Veatch were appointed the watershed managers for the Central, Eastern, and Western parts of Singapore respectively.

A public exhibition was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in February 2007 where the plans for more than 20 ABC Waters projects were unveiled.

They include three new reservoir projects at Punggol and Serangoon and Singapore's first reservoir in the city, the Marina Reservoir. Sungei Punggol will be dammed, creating a new reservoir and a floating island that will have pride of place in the middle of the waters. The floating island is designed to be a sanctuary for birds and fishes.

Like Sungei Punggol, Sungei Serangoon will similarly be dammed as part of the plan to augment the supply of water harvested from local catchments. A wetland will be built along the river which will serve as a natural purification process for the water before it flows into the reservoir and is set to become a nature lover's delight.

At Alexandra, the first waterside hawker centre will be created, when water from Alexandra Canal is drawn to the surface through various water features. More exciting projects and water activities can be expected under the ABC Waters programme.

At the ABC Waters exhibition, the public had a preview of how the potential of Singapore's water bodies can be maximised under the ABC Waters programme. They enjoyed free rides on aqua bikes, ocean scooters and electric boats on the Singapore River.

Some 16,000 visitors thronged the public exhibition, including several Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament. Among the distinguished guests was Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Mr Lee was impressed with the programme and emphasised that besides putting in the infrastructure and facilities, what is even more important is that everyone must help to keep our waters clean to make ABC Waters a success.

"We must keep the water clean, so we must trap the debris and litter in our rivers, canals and drains... Our drains and canals will be turned into ponds and streams. There will be clean running water, greenery and board- walks for people and children to enjoy these streams and ponds - fishing, boating or dining al fresco. Hotels, condos and HDB homes that front these canals or drains will look out on greenery and water. Singaporeans will have to keep their streams and ponds clean for everybody to enjoy sailing, boating, wind surfing and fishing," said Mr Lee at a grassroots dinner a fortnight later.

The community participated eagerly in the ABC Waters programme through various public consultations and sent their feedback to PUB after viewing the exhibition, which made its rounds at various regional libraries and housing estates.

THE ABCS OF WATER

To get everyone on board the ABC Waters programme and more importantly, to convey to the public the importance of keeping our water resources clean, a TV series was produced on MediaCorp's Channel 8.

Hosted by witty duo Quan Yi Feng and Dasmond Koh, the eight-episode studio game show saw television viewers learning along with local celebrities about what ABC Waters is about, the features of the upcoming ABC Waters projects and the jobs and people related to water.

Celebrity participants bit their nails and pulled their hair through three rounds of intriguing Q-and-A where each correct answer gave them a chance to pick up litter from a beautiful pool of water. As a "penalty", the losing celebrity had to enter the pool of water to clear up the remaining "rubbish", with PUB mascot, Water Wally, cheering on.

"A lot of the success of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme will depend on whether we are able to keep our drains, rivers and canals clean. Through this TV show, we hope the public will understand the importance of keeping our water resources free from litter and pollution. By keeping our waters clean, not only will the flora and fauna flourish but the public can also enjoy all sorts of activities in and around beautiful waters," said Mr Yap Kheng Guan, PUB's Director of 3P Network.

The two hosts were the first to admit they had learnt a lot about water through the show. Quan Yi Feng said she was proud of the volunteers who take time off to clean the rivers, while Dasmond Koh looks forward to how the façade of the reservoirs and rivers will change in the next few years.

"I think it's great that Kallang River will be turned into a watersports hub," said the diving enthusiast.

By DILYS QUEK

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