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  Channel NewsAsia 16 Apr 06
Kallang River to be transformed into recreational hub by 2007
By Rita Zahara, Channel NewsAsia

Kallang River at Kolam Ayer will be getting a $2.5 million facelift. It is a new initiative by NParks and PUB to transform rivers and reservoirs into recreational hubs as part of the Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters Programme.

By August 2007, a 200-metre stretch along the Kallang River will be transformed to include floating decks, pathways and boardwalks for recreational activities. A water wheel will also be introduced. The water level will also be kept at a constant level, at about 3 metres deep, making activities such as kayaking and dragon boating possible.

Welcoming the transformation plans, a member of the public said: "We will drop by during the weekends, especially when the sun sets, to enjoy the scenery here."

Another said: "The good points are that we've got more activities around our area. No need to go so far away. But the disadvantage is that the children don't know the water tide levels. Then, when they will go near, it will be dangerous."

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, the Environment and Water Resources Minister, said: "We are going to have water volunteer groups that will help us explain to residents how they should use these facilities. There will be a lot of efforts on the ground, because at the end of the day, we do not want any fatalities, we want to make sure Singaporeans can enjoy themselves safely, securely and then make this part of their life."

Said Yap Meng Tong, Director for Parks Development, National Parks Board: "The challenge that we face is the safety issue. Perhaps, we will plant some plants to serve as a barricade so that people will see that as a warning sign not to get too close to the water."

NParks and PUB reviewed some of the world's best rivers, like the Charles River in the US and the Cheonggye Stream in Seoul, to draw inspiration and learn best practices.

It was revealed that Singapore will be divided into 3 sectors and managers with the relevant expertise and experience will be employed to take care of the water bodies in each sector.

Singapore currently has 32 rivers and 14 reservoirs. When the reservoirs at Marina, Punggol and Serangoon are ready by 2009, there will be 17 reservoirs in total.

All, except for Sungei Api Api in Pasir Ris, are expected to undergo major makeovers in the future.

Said Yap Kheng Guan, Director, 3P Network Department, Public Utilities Board: "Api Api, for example, is known for its natural beauty. It can lend itself for a different treatment, unlike urban rivers. We want to enhance it and add value to its natural beauty. For example, there is mangrove lining along the river. People can enjoy the natural setting."

On the recent flash floods, Minister Yaacob assured Singaporeans that his ministry is working closely with the relevant bodies to identify the likely hotspots and to take measures to improve the situation. - CNA/ir

The Straits Times 17 Apr 06
Giant water wheel on Kallang River may be used to collect litter
by Stephanie Yap and Radha Basu

AS THE morning sunlight glinted on the clear green waters of the Kallang River yesterday, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and his fellow MPs from the Jalan Besar GRC made a dramatic appearance aboard kayaks. Smiling brightly, their oars moving swiftly in tandem, they offered onlookers a brief glimpse of what's to come.

Dr Yaacob, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, was launching the Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters Programme. The Public Utilities Board programme aims to transform the sleepy rivers and reservoirs in the heartland and make them buzz with recreational activities.

A 200m stretch of Kolam Ayer along the Kallang River was chosen for the first makeover, which will gradually be extended to include other water bodies as well. By the end of next year, the metal railings lining the river will be replaced with pretty pathways, boardwalks, floating decks and a giant water wheel. Residents will not only be able to enjoy riverside strolls, but may also take part in various water sports, such as kayaking and dragon boat racing.

Dr Yaacob later told reporters: 'We will open up the waterways, so residents can bring their own kayaks and canoes, just like you can take your bicycles out for cycling. 'We want to make it easier for residents to enjoy our waters.'

His Cabinet colleague and fellow Jalan Besar MP Lee Boon Yang, who also attended the event, said the project would give Jalan Besar residents a 'much better, and more exciting living environment'.

The main aim of the programme is to help Singaporeans enjoy the 'blue space' in clean and green Singapore, said PUB director Yap Kheng Guan. But even while enjoying the waters, they should also learn to keep the waterways safe and clean.

The life-size water wheel being planned at Kolam Ayer, for instance, could be used to pick up litter from the river every week and deposit it in a nearby bin. 'The idea is for residents to see how much litter collects here every week, and do their bit to ensure that the amount becomes less over time,' said Mr Yap.

While the Kallang River pilot project will be designed and executed by PUB, it is courting the private sector to develop the rest of the programme. It plans to appoint three private-sector 'watershed managers' for the eastern, central and western sectors of the island, who will analyse the various water bodies and decide how best to develop them.

Mr Yap noted that the PUB will respect the character of the neighbourhood before deciding on a project. 'Some places lend themselves to water sports activities, while others are better for parks and other peaceful features that families can enjoy,' he said.

He added that while PUB hopes to bring the public to the water, safety would always be a primary concern. 'We want to remove physical barriers like metal railings, but there are other ways to ensure safety,' he said, citing the gradual steps that lead into the Singapore River as an example.

Today Online 17 Apr 06
Making a splash with $2.5m
Makeover planned for stretch of Kallang River

A 200-metre stretch of the Kallang River at Kolam Ayer will be getting a $2.5 million facelift. The "demonstration project" by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is part of the Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters Programme to transform rivers and reservoirs into vibrant community hubs, and to get Singaporeans to cherish and take care of their waterways.

By August next year, the Kolam Ayer stretch of the river will be transformed to include more greenery, floating decks, pathways and boardwalks for recreational activities. A water wheel will be introduced as the centrepiece of the project. The water level will be kept at a constant level--about 3 metres deep--making activities such as kayaking and dragon boating possible.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, said: "We are going to have water volunteer groups that will help us explain to residents how they should use these facilities. "There will be a lot of efforts on the ground, because at the end of the day, we do not want any fatalities. We want to make sure Singaporeans can enjoy themselves safely, securely."

NParks and the PUB reviewed some of the world's best rivers such as the Charles River in the United States and the Cheonggye Stream in Seoul to draw inspiration and learn best practices. Singapore currently has 32 rivers and 14 reservoirs.

When the reservoirs at Marina, Punggol and Serangoon are ready by 2009, there will be 17 reservoirs in total. All, except for Sungei Api Api in Pasir Ris, are expected to undergo major makeovers in the future.

The PUB will be sharing its plans under its programme with property developers, professional associations, consultancy firms and public agencies next month. "We hope to share our plans with the property sector as well so that in planning new developments, water can be part of the attraction of the property," said Mr Khoo Teng Chye, PUB's chief executive.
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