Sun, Jul 03, 2011
PUB announced today that they increase the water catchment areas from half to two-thirds of Singapore, together with the Marina Reservoir.
The milestone achievement was celebrated in a ceremony officiated by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Balakrishnan said that Singapore is "well on our way to self-sufficiency" with imported water from Johor, NEWater, and desalinated water providing Singapore with a sustainable water supply.
Created by the damming of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon, the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs will collect rainwater from estates and areas within Punggol and Sengkang, and parts of Hougang and Ang Mo Kio.
This is in line with PUB's strategy to create estuarine reservoirs by damming the major rivers to collect and store as much of the 2400mm of rain that it gets annually.
The Minister also urged Singaporeans to play our part to make sure the reservoirs stays clean. He said: "As we look forward to these new developments, it is important to note that we need community support and community participation because we need to keep our areas clean. If you just stopped to think about it, every drop of rain that falls on the ground or lands in our drains, ends up in a reservoir and ultimately in our drinking cups. And that requires all of us to play our part to make sure it stays clean and safe."
Waterfront living in the heartlands
Besides enhancing water supply, residents of Punggol and Serangoon can look forward to waterfront living in the heartlands with a myriad of attractive and lifestyle choices lined up along the banks.
Envisioned as a ‘waterfront town of the 21st century’, Punggol Town will soon become a commercial and social hub, with a 4.2-km waterway that connects both reservoirs running through the estate and town centre.
Located right in the midst of Punggol Reservoir, the ABC Waters project - Sengkang Floating Wetland – links the Anchorvale Community Club to the Sengkang Riverside Park via a bridge on one side, and a boardwalk skimming the water surface on the other. While helping to keep the water clean by natural processes, the wetland also provides a habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity there.
Lorong Halus Wetland along Serangoon Reservoir collects and treats water passing through the former landfill, preventing it from flowing into the reservoir. This helps safeguard the quality of water in Serangoon Reservoir.
Like the Sengkang Floating Wetland, the Lorong Halus Wetland is developing into a natural habitat for wildlife over time. Members of the public can also go on the nature trails to learn more about wetland, the plants, and various wildlife that thrive there.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "Punggol Town will also serve as a 'living laboratory' to test bed new ideas and technologies in sustainable development.
"Work on the first Eco-Precinct, named the Treelodge@Punggol, is already underway, with eco-friendly features such as the collection of rainwater to wash common areas and rooftop greening."
No comments:
Post a Comment