MEASURES TO MAKE OUR WATERWAYS SAFE

MEASURES TO MAKE OUR WATERWAYS SAFE: 17.

Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, against the backdrop of plans to make our waterways active, beautiful and clean, what safety measures are being considered in light of the recent cases where students were swept away by strong currents in canals and whether there are warning signs along these canals to warn the public of the danger of a sudden rise in the water level.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, I thank Mr Seah for supporting us.

Sir, canals and waterways in Singapore are built to convey stormwater during heavy rains. This flood-alleviation function remains important even as we embark upon the ABC Waters Programme. Hence, we have to put in place a system to ensure the safety of the public as they enjoy the waters and get closer to it. While we may landscape some rivers and canals to make them more aesthetically pleasing and bring people closer to the water, this does not necessarily mean that all our canals and waterways are safe for water activities.

In considering whether to allow water activities in certain stretches of our

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waterways, we conduct engineering assessments on the flow speed of the water during a storm and the ease of disembarking from the river banks. All ABC Waters Projects are designed with public safety as our foremost concern. Firstly, safety to users is a key design criterion for our consultants, who need to ensure that safety measures are an integral part of their project design. The safety measures are further reviewed by PUB's safety committee which is chaired by the CEO.

We strive to create designs that are attractive yet safe. Allow me to show you an example. In the case of Alexandra Canal, where the decking on top of the canal will consist of shallow flowing stream with water play areas, while the main canal beneath the decking allows stormwater to flow. Also, metal railings can be replaced by alternative forms of barriers, such as earth mounds or shrubs, along the water edges.

To allow water users, such as boaters or kayakers, to evacuate from the waters safely, gentle sloping embankments or evacuation points will be incorporated. These will be complemented by a siren warning system to alert water users, should there be a need to evacuate them. Warning signs and life buoys will also be put up at strategic locations along the canals.

All water activities in waterways will be managed through an appointed operator (or organiser), who will manage and oversee the water users to ensure that the activities are carried out properly in accordance with safety procedures. The operator will conduct safety briefings before the commencement of activities, and ensure that safety SOPs are observed, such as the wearing of life vests.

While safety measures have been put in place, the public should exercise

*Cols. 827-844.

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individual responsibility and good sense when having fun in the waters. For example, parents should educate their children on how to play in the water safely, and the public should not enter any canals as there may be swift currents due to a sudden surge of rapid water flow. Sir, the PUB also recognises the importance of getting the young to understand the dangers of entering canals or drains, and will include this as part of our ongoing public education in our schools.

Mdm Cynthia Phua: Sir, in view of the recent accidents of the three children, is the Ministry inspecting the canals systematically to ensure their safety, because there is easy access of the children into the canals now?

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, the answer is "yes". We do it on a continuous basis but, at the end of the day, as mentioned in my reply, individual responsibility is also very important.

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 18, 26, 28-31, 34-35, 38-39 and 41 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix*. Question Nos. 19-25, 27, 32-33, 36-37, 40 and 42-43 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 22nd May 2007.]

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