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NewsAsia, 6 Feb 05 Important role of NGOs in keeping waterways clean: Dr Yaacob By S. Ramesh SINGAPORE : Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have an important role to play in working closely with the people and the public sector to keep Singapore's waterways clean and pollution free. One such group is the Waterways Watch Society (WWS), which is a group of volunteers bringing people together to monitor, restore and protect the aesthetics of Singapore's waterways. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim visited the society on Sunday to see first-hand the work they do. The society is also reaching out to schools, a move which was praised by the minister as he felt, awareness of a pollution free waterway must be inculcated from young. And valuing Singapore's waters and taking greater ownership in keeping the catchments clean will become more critical in the years to come. Dr Yaacob said: "When the Marina Barrage becomes an urban catchment, the issue of cleanliness will be a major issue. PUB can always control the quality of water treatment but if people's habits are not that great and they litter as we can see today, that will add to the costs further. "So we need such NGOs to play their part to send the message home that all of us have a role to play to keep our waters clean. "People want to feel comfortable kayaking, canoeing, sitting by the riverside.....and if that can be maintained, then we can turn this body of water into a fantastic place for Singaporeans." - CNA Today, 7 Feb 05 Dr Yaacob's strange find in S'pore River by Jasmine Yin He joins NGO in fishing cans, stubs and food wrappers from waterway WITH his cap and life vest, and a net in hand, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim looked like he was out on a Sunday morning fishing trip on the Singapore River. The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources was indeed fishing, but he wasn't after the usual catch. His catch of the day: Drink cans, cigarette stubs, unfinished packets of chicken rice and restaurant food wrappers. And what about the sights and aromas? Certainly not for those with weak stomachs. However, what the minister did yesterday has been a weekend ritual for a group of Singaporeans for six years now. . Sixty Waterways Watch Society (WWS) volunteers — armed with passion and dedication — have been quietly taking care of Singapore's rivers and canals. Once a week, they "sweep" the waters of unsightly floating litter, dumped either directly into the river or arriving through uncovered drains that flow into the river. Plastic bags, cans and glass bottles are among the most common items that the WWS volunteers pick up during their boat patrols. Last month, they collected nearly 70 cans. Once, they even pulled out a table and chairs near a waterfront dining spot — probably thrown into the river by drunken passers-by. From their spartan office under the Merdeka Bridge, the volunteers also monitor and identify sources of pollution and report damage or defects that affect the waterways. They also conduct talks for primary school students and companies on water pollution and organise cleaning expeditions to local beaches. . This non-government organisation (NGO) is funded largely by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and the National Environment Agency (NEA). WWS treasurer Tan Tun Phong, 40, an IT manager at an investment firm, said more public awareness was needed in combating water pollution. "Water resources are what we are short of as a small nation. We don't have a lot of resources and it is important that we be self-reliant in generating our water resources," he said. Holding up the work of the WWS as a good example of a collaborative effort by the people and the private and public sectors, Dr Yaacob said: "The example I always give is that you cannot put a policeman at every junction. You need some public-spirited individuals to come forward and play their part." While he was satisfied with the overall cleanliness of our waterways, the minister saw room for improvement, especially with plans being made for more water-based activities and waterfront recreational, entertainment and sporting events, such as the ongoing Marina Barrage project. Cleanliness will be "a major issue" when the Marina Barrage, Singapore's largest reservoir, is completed, he said. "PUB can always control the quality of water treatment, but if individual habits are not that great, there will be litter as we see today. I think that will add to the costs further. So, we need such NGOs to play a part, together with PUB and NEA, to send the message home that all of us have a role to play in keeping our waters clean." The New Straits Times, 7 Feb 05 River Rangers Every Sunday, a group of five to six Singaporeans board a boat that heads up the Singapore River, where they patrol the waterway, scooping up refuse with a net. Yesterday, Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim (holding net) accompanied a few of the volunteers from the Waterways Watch Society on an hour-long river patrol. The Waterways Watch Society was formed in 1998 to monitor, protect and restore the aesthetics of Singapore's waterways. Dr Yaacob praised the group's efforts and said that it is a prime example of a non-government organisation collaborating with the authorities and forming ties with the public and schools to achieve its aim. The group's work will be even more crucial when the Marina Barrage - a dam being built across Marina Bay to create a new reservoir - is completed in 2007, he said. Apart from clearing refuse from the river, the group reports sources of pollution and conducts river tours and workshops for students as part of its education programme. Ms Diana Ng, 23, a research engineer and Waterways Watch member, said: 'This is a great way to spend my Sundays, cruising the river and helping keep the environment clean at the same time.' Links More on the Water Ways Watch website Related articles on Wild shores of Singapore |
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