ABC Waters Programme for Sungei Ulu Pandan

I thank Mr Christopher de Souza for the question on the Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters programme. This was a programme launched in 2006, and it aims to transform our drains, canals and reservoirs into beautiful streams and lakes and ultimately to serve as focal community points.

Let me take a step back and explain the principles behind which our plans for drainage are conducted in Singapore. First, it is about water catchment. Two-thirds of Singapore's land area today is water catchment and eventually it could go up to 80% or 90%. What that means is that every drop of water on the ground or in the drain has a very high chance – a 90% chance – of ending up in the glass of water that you would drink. The second point is that it is also about flood prevention and mitigation. So, it is in our interest to make sure our drainage system is well-maintained and functions accordingly. The third is that we do want community ownership. Because our drains are in the community, in our neighbourhoods, and the integrity and the cleanliness of drains is important, it is important therefore for our local neighbourhoods to feel a sense of ownership and participation in the maintenance and in the implementation of activities in and around our waterways. Fourthly, if our waterways are transformed into beautiful and scenic spots, that also enhances values for the properties in the vicinity.

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The programme has so far been completed in 20 different vicinities and there would be another three which would be completed in 2013, and that includes the project the Member is referring to in Sungei Ulu Pandan. There will be another 31 projects implemented by public agencies and developers over the next few years.

Mr de Souza has asked for an artist's impression. So, I have asked for the slide to be put up for his viewing as well as for the other Members of the House to see. This is how we intend for it to look like when it is completed. The concept behind this particular project was for it to be a river classroom for the many students in the area to get a better appreciation of ecology, to understand the importance of the quality of the rainwater run-off from the surrounding catchment, and therefore, also a plea for maintaining cleanliness of the surrounding environment. It will also enhance local biodiversity and we will look for specially selected native plants to be planted in the area thereabouts.

Mr de Souza will be glad to know that we have accepted suggestions from residents to build well-designed shelters at the community deck. We will keep the residents updated of the progress of the project through regular briefings and newsletters. We hope that the local community will feel a strong sense of ownership because they have helped to design and to implement this project.

I am glad to say that the ABC Waters programme has been very well-received so far in all the different areas that it has been implemented in. We will continue to engage Singaporeans in order to create a beautiful and healthy environment which they have a real stake in.

I thank the Minister for showing the artist's impression which I think was at the junction of Clementi Road and Ulu Pandan Road. My supplementary question would be, would it be possible for the Ministry to allow the Sunset Way residents, who fall within my ward, to go very close to the water to learn of biodiversity and to have river life extend to them, proximately and not just visually?

The whole idea of making it attractive and beautiful is to give access. The only caveat I would put is the issue of safety. So, for instance, if you recall the Bishan canal which was converted into a river, it is especially designed to be low lying and people have access and can even walk across the river. However, during times of intense storms, the water can spread out very rapidly along the sides and that is why you see we have got various alarm systems and markings on the ground, in order to emphasise safety. So, we have to get the balance right between access and public safety.

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