PUB Chairman Wins Top Award
MacRitchie Reservoir Park has a new guardian. Under PUB’s Our Waters programme, MediaCorp, in partnership with PUB and National Parks Board, adopted the reservoir park in June 2008 as part of its corporate social responsibility for the environment.
PUB Chief Executive Mr Khoo Teng Chye (second from left) with MediaCorp Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Lucas Chow (centre) and Mr Ng Lang, Chief Executive Officer of National Parks Board.
The collaboration marks a commitment among the three parties to promote conservation awareness and the enjoyment of a clean, green and pristineenvironment at MacRitchie Reservoir Park. With this adoption, MediaCorp staff volunteers will undertake activities such as tours to educate the public on the history of MacRitchie Reservoir, the water loop, and the biodiversity of MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Launched in 2005, PUB’s Our Waters programme aims to encourage the community to take on joint ownership of our water resources. There are currently 56 adopters under the programme.
Mr Yap Kheng Guan, PUB’s Director of 3P Network explained: “Water is a precious resource in Singapore and through Our Waters programme, we hope to raise public awareness of the importance of keeping the catchments and waterways clean.”
Under the programme, partners from the 3P sectors (People, Private, Public) can pick their favourite waterways, reservoirs and reservoir parks, and care for them for at least two years. They will work with PUB in maintenance efforts and outreach programmes, providing resources or development and maintenance of the chosen waterway or reservoir. Other organisations who have participated in the programme include the Singapore Scout Association (Northeast Area) who adopted Sungei Punggol; the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are guardians of Upper Seletar Reservoir and Mandai Nature Reserve.
Singapore Scout Association’s Assistant Chief Commissioner of Northeast Area, Mr Tan Tek Tin, said: “The adoption of Sungei Punggol is the first to be undertaken by the Singapore Scout Association. I hope the Scouts will become more aware that it is everybody’s responsibility to safeguard this precious resource. If this project succeeds, more Scouts may take up the challenge to adopt other rivers or reservoirs.”
