ACTIVE, BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN WATERS PROGRAMME

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ACTIVE, BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN WATERS PROGRAMME: **

(Progress update): **

30.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources if he will provide an update on the status of the Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters projects and whether the increase in construction costs has affected their progress.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: I am pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters Programme. This programme transforms our drains, canals and reservoirs into beautiful, vibrant and flowing streams, rivers and lakes, creating new social and recreational focal points for the community to enjoy. In doing so, we hope that residents will develop a bond with our water resources, and hence cherish and keep them clean.

Under the initial phase, PUB carried out three demonstration projects. The first project along Kallang River at Kolam Ayer was completed in February this year, with strong community support for the project. There are now more activities such as morning exercises and community gardening at the waterfront, and Mid Autumn festival celebrations recently. The second project at Bedok Reservoir was completed in March this year. Since then, a number of activities have been held there, for example, the 'Hydro Sapiens' performance of the Singapore Arts Festival. The third project at MacRitchie Reservoir will be completed by the first half of next year.

For the iconic floating wetland project at Sungei Punggol, construction works were launched by PM this year. At Lower Seletar Reservoir, construction works have started for a water performance stage and a heritage bridge among other features. Both projects are expected to be completed by 2010.

By the end of this financial year, another six tenders will be called for projects at Pandan Reservoir, Jurong Lake, Alexandra Canal, Sungei Whampoa at St George's Lane, Sungei Serangoon at Lorong Halus and Sungei Kallang at Bishan Park. Detailed designs of the projects are currently ongoing.

For the three demonstration projects, their tenders were called in 2006 before the increase in construction costs. For the two projects at Sungei Punggol and Lower Seletar which were recently launched, construction costs have gone up by 15%-20% on average based on tender returns.

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We are mitigating the increasing construction costs in several ways. At the detailed planning stage, PUB and its consultants review the scope and design of each project to optimise spending while meeting the community's needs. PUB also explores the use of innovative products and new technology to reduce construction and maintenance costs. For example, for the project at Bishan Park, PUB is exploring the use of concrete that is recycled from the redevelopment works to provide the material for the rock bedding instead of using imported natural rocks.

In the face of rising construction costs, we will have to review the scope and implementation of the projects not yet undertaken based on tender returns. We will inform Advisors and community leaders early if we need to adjust implementation schedules due to cost escalations beyond available budget. Nonetheless, I would like to emphasise that we will make every effort to push ahead by reaping cost savings where possible. The ABC Waters Programme is a long term initiative and we are committed to developing Singapore into a "City of Gardens and Water".