A lookout deck which overlooks the ABC Waters @ Sungei Tampines waterway
Makeover of Sungei Tampines
1. Sungei Tampines is a 3.3km-long waterway leading to the sea that runs through the housing estates of Tampines and Pasir Ris. It serves a catchment area of 919 ha which includes Tampines Eco Green Park and Pasir Ris Park. In 2015, a 1.1km stretch of the canal between the Tampines Expressway (TPE) and Pasir Ris Drive 3 received a makeover, under National Water Agency PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme.
2. In 2018, a 1.4km upstream section of Sungei Tampines from Tampines Avenue 7 to TPE was identified for upgrading to serve new HDB estates in Tampines North. Works began in May 2018 and were completed in July 2022.
3. As part of this drainage improvement project, PUB also introduced new features along the waterway to enhance the overall liveability of the surrounding. Under the makeover, PUB transformed a concrete canal into a naturalised river, constructed new recreation and community spaces for residents and enhanced the area’s connectivity to Tampines Eco Green.
Drainage Improvements
4. The existing 17m to 20m wide and 1.4km long waterway was widened up to 4.5m and deepened by 0.5m, to increase its capacity by 30% to convey more stormwater effectively. This greatly enhances flood protection in the surrounding area of Sungei Tampines waterway in the event of an intense rainstorm.
Enhancing the Living environment through ABC Waters
5. Sungei Tampines is the first PUB project to include an extensive stretch of naturalisation (about 1km) along one bank of the canal (at Tampines Eco Green), using soil bioengineering techniques similar to the project1 at the Kallang River – Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and at the canal base. The other bank is integrated seamlessly with a concrete cantilevered park connector adjacent to the nearby housing estates, along with lookout decks to bring the public closer to the waterway. Together with ABC Waters enhancements such as rain gardens and greening of the canal’s base, these features have created a vibrant and liveable space for all to enjoy.
| Improvement Works | Description |
|---|---|
| Naturalised Riverbank |
The naturalised riverbank along Sungei Tampines is constructed using soil bioengineering materials. Plants on the slope were selected for slope stabilization as well to foster a robust, native riparian habitat for biodiversity.
Before Upgrading
After Upgrading |
| Canal base greenery and planter islands |
Plants and shrubs were planted at various sections on the base of the canal, with island planters set up along the low water channel. The greenery helps to soften the concrete hardscape.
Before Upgrading
After Upgrading |
| ABC Waters Design Features |
Rain Gardens
There are three rain garden nodes along Sungei Tampines - designed to detain and cleanse stormwater runoff from Tampines Eco Green and the surrounding areas before it is discharged into the river. The rain gardens also provide a conducive habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna to foster rich local biodiversity. |
| New communal spaces |
Lookout Decks
Residents can now enjoy newly added recreational spaces such as the lookout decks situated across Blk 496C and Blk 495D. Lookout decks are provided on the northern bank adjacent to Tampines Eco Green and are sited strategically to conceal and incorporate existing structures for the sewer line that runs beneath the naturalised riverbank into the natural beauty of the area. In addition, new seats and shelters have been constructed, while existing ones were refurbished to provide residents with a better view of the scenic waterway. Additional shrubs along the riverbanks and new footpaths were also added to enhance the experience for park users and encourage residents to spend time by the waterway to enjoy the blue-green corridor that runs through their housing estate. |
| Improved connectivity experience |
Garden bridge and Garden Link
The existing crossing (Garden Link) next to TPE was re-constructed with additional plantings, to enhance the experience of residents. In addition, a new bridge (Garden bridge) was constructed near Blk 496C to provide additional connectivity for residents travelling between the housing estate and Tampines Eco Green. Cantilevered Park Connector
The existing PCN was reconstructed to cantilever over Sungei Tampines to maintain the existing connectivity. Enhanced planting was added along the PCN to enhance the overall connectivity experience. |
About ABC Waters Programme
The ABC Waters Programme is a long-term strategic initiative by PUB to improve the quality of water and life by harnessing the full potential of our waterbodies. By integrating the drains, canals and reservoirs with the surrounding environment in a holistic way, the ABC Waters Programme aims to create beautiful and clean streams, rivers, and lakes with postcard-pretty community spaces for all to enjoy.
The programme was launched in 2006 and aims to provide new community and recreational spaces, improve the aesthetics of the urban environment, and improve water quality though the use of natural cleansing features (also known as ABC Waters design features). By transforming Singapore’s canals, rivers and reservoirs into beautiful recreational spaces where people can be close to water, the initiative serves to increase the public’s awareness and appreciation of water-related issues while encouraging the community to become stewards of the waterways and waterbodies.
To date, PUB has completed 51 ABC Waters projects around the island. More communities are set to benefit from the ABC Waters Programme with another 6 projects completing in the next five years. ABC Waters projects are rolled out progressively in conjunction with drainage improvement works or in tandem with development plans by other agencies or stakeholders.
Footnotes:
[1] A 2.7km section of Kallang River at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was transformed from a concrete canal into a fully naturalised river in 2012.
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