ANNUAL CAMPAIGN TO SAVE WATER

Mr Shriniwas Rai asked the Minister for Trade and Industry, in view of the rising consumption of water whether the Government will launch an annual campaign to save water.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Our water consumption actually declined in 1998. The average daily water consumption fell by 0.3% in 1998, a reversal from an increase of 5 % and 4.2 % in 1997 and 1996 respectively. The first five months of 1999 also saw a decline of 2.9 % in the average daily water consumption. This is partly due to the economic downturn and the measures we introduced to conserve water. Water tariffs were restructured in 1997 to reflect the strategic importance and scarcity of water. The third increase of water tariff, of four annual increments, has just been implemented on 1st July 1999.

The Public Utilities Board organises an annual programme to promote the conservation of water as a way of life for Singaporeans. The programme covers a range of activities including publicity, visits to waterworks, water conservation talks to schools, "save water" exhibits at community functions, and the distribution of "save water" leaflets. In some years, we also mount a "save water" campaign. There was a "save water" campaign last year, but this need not be done annually. PUB will press on with its programme of water conservation activities.