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Source:
www.gov.sg |
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SPEECH BY MR LEE HSIEN
LOONG,PRIME MINISTER, AT THE ACTIVE, BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN (ABC)
WATERS EXHIBITION, 6 FEBRUARY 2007, 10.00 AM AT THE ASIAN
CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM |
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An Excerpt |
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A CITY OF GARDENS AND WATER |
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Imagine looking out of your HDB apartment
window and instead of seeing a huge concrete canal, you set your eyes on
a sparkling river with landscaped banks, with kayakers paddling in the
stream, with lively play areas for children, and with boardwalks and
bridges for families to enjoy outings together. |
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This is not a far-fetched scenario.
Singapore has an extensive water network that spans 14 reservoirs, 32
major rivers and more than 7,000 km of other waterways including canals
and drains. Few cities in the world have such a pervasive and
well-integrated network of waterways. |
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Our waterways were built primarily for
functional reasons. Our drains and canals were developed as
infrastructure for flood prevention, and our reservoirs for water
storage. |
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This remains the main purpose of our water
infrastructure, which delivers our supply of drinking water, and
controls drainage and wastewater management. |
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But having developed a comprehensive base of
water infrastructure, we should now take the next step forward. |
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Our waterways should do more than meet our water
needs. They should also enhance our living environment and lifestyle. This calls
for a bold change of mindset. |
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In the past, we protected our water resources by
keeping people away from them; now, we will bring people closer to water so that
they will enjoy and cherish it more. |
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Many of our rivers and canals are in or
close to the residential heartlands. The waterways are therefore a
natural focal point for water-based activities, community events, and
other recreational options. |
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By linking up our water bodies and waterways, we
will create new community spaces that are clean, pleasant, and bustling with
life and activities. |
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We will integrate our water bodies
with our parks and green spaces and turn Singapore into a ¡°city of
gardens and waters¡±. |
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THE ABC WATERS PROGRAMME |
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This is what we aim to achieve with
the ABC Waters programme. There are three broad elements in the
programme. |
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First, ¡°A¡± for Active, so that
Singaporeans can enjoy a wide range of water-based activities,
from canoeing and sailing to dragon-boat racing. |
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Second, ¡®B¡¯ for Beautiful, because we
want to transform our waterways into beautiful streams, rivers and
lakes that enhance our living environment. |
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Third, ¡®C¡¯ for Clean, so that whatever
we do with our water bodies, they will continue to be kept litter-
and pollution-free. |
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To achieve these goals of the ABC
Waters programme, PUB and its consultants have drawn up a
master-plan for the long-term development of the water catchments. |
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We will proceed in a sustainable
manner, and strike the right balance between maximising the land
for development and protecting it for recreational use. |
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As far as possible, existing natural,
historical and cultural resources will be preserved, and
integrated with new developments. |
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PUB has already identified 150
locations where projects can be implemented in phases over the
next 10 to 15 years. These projects will be implemented through a
combination of public and private sector expertise and financing. |
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Let me highlight two examples. |
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The Kallang River¡¯s upstream stretches
flow through Bishan Park, which is a popular recreation area for
the large residential areas nearby, including Ang Mo Kio and
Bishan. |
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Native plant species will be
re-introduced along the river, as an extension of the nearby
nature reserves. |
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New features like an integrated river
playground and water play areas will be introduced to encourage
more interaction with the water. |
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The existing ponds in the Park can
also be converted into wetland ponds that help to improve the
quality of storm-water entering the Kallang River. |
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All this will enhance residents¡¯
experience of Bishan Park and Kallang River as a venue for both
active recreation, as well as more quiet uses such as meditation
and simple enjoyment of the surroundings. |
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Another example is Sungei Punggol. Its
peaceful suburban atmosphere will be enhanced with a floating
island. |
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This island will be planted with
mangroves and wetlands which can help purify the waters, and act
as a habitat for birds and fishes. |
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The island will also be connected to
both river banks, forming a convenient link for residents to
access amenities on both sides of the banks and enjoy the
surroundings. |
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In time to come, Sungei Punggol can
become a sanctuary to explore nature as well as to carry out water
activities like canoeing and kayaking. |
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Full Text of Speech |
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Source:
www.gov.sg Media Release 6 Feb
2007 |
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FrontPage Edition: Tue 6 February 2007
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