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  Straits Times Forum 30 Mar 07
Section of Bedok river leased to golf club
Reply from Tan Nguan Sen Director Catchment & Waterways Department PUB

Straits Times Forum 24 Mar 07
Can a private entity own part of a river?
Letter from Low Boon Hock

AS PUB promotes its 'Water for All - Conserve, Value, Enjoy' programme, I would like to enquire whether a private entity can own a section of a river in Singapore?

The section of Bedok River near the Laguna Golf Club is a hive of activity every afternoon. Joggers use the park connector, families stroll or fish, while many regulars get down to the river bed, at low tide, to dig for cockles.

Recently, Laguna Golf Club put up several signs warning the public that digging for cockles, in the section of the river along its grounds, is illegal and those caught would be handed over to the police.

Does Laguna Golf Club own that section of Bedok River? The National Parks Board recently completed connecting the Bedok River walkway to East Coast Park, by detouring along the outer perimeter of the club grounds, instead of along Bedok River. Does this lend credence to Laguna Golf Club owning that section of Bedok River?

Straits Times Forum 30 Mar 07
Section of Bedok river leased to golf club
Reply from Tan Nguan Sen Director Catchment & Waterways Department PUB

PUB, the national water agency, thanks Mr Low Boon Hock for his letter, 'Can a private entity own part of a river?' (ST, March 24).

The section of Sungei Bedok mentioned by Mr Low runs through the Laguna National Golf and Country Club. In this case, Sungei Bedok and the land alongside it were leased to the club for its development so as to optimise land use.

As Sungei Bedok is situated in the middle of the golf course, golf balls may fly into the canal occasionally. For safety reasons, the Laguna National Golf and Country Club has put up signs to warn the public not to enter the canal or go near the golf course.

While PUB encourages Singaporeans to enjoy the waters and develop a closer relationship with water, we are mindful that the safety of the public should not be compromised.

Under the Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme, a subterranean link underneath the golf course along this section of Sungei Bedok has been proposed. Designed as a covered walkway that runs adjacent to the canal, this unique feature will provide a different yet safe experience for users without affecting the Laguna National Golf and Country Club.

The walkway will have a view of the waterway on one side, making the walk or ride to East Coast Park quick and comfortable while providing a picturesque view of the water and its surroundings.

We welcome Mr Low to give us his feedback at PUB-One on 1800-284 6600.
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