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| Have your
say for the bay! |
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| When the Marina Barrage is constructed, the
inland reservoir will become an exciting lifestyle
destination. |
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First, imagine a future downtown water park,
where the vigorous paddling of rowers, breezy
water sails and the sudden whizzing past of
water-skiers are a daily reality. And all this
takes place against the backdrop of a modern
tidal barrier on one side and the city skyline
on the other. Now, you can have a say in the
planning and design of this water park!
Mr Thoo Jung Chee, an engineer with
the Public Utilities Board (PUB)
and member of the Marina Barrage
project team, explains the rationale.
“We really want the public to contribute to the use of
the new basin,”
he says.
The Marina Barrage is a tidal and flood control
barrier that will be constructed across the mouth
of the Marina channel to the tune of $226 million.
When it is ready by end-2007, it will turn the
waters of the Marina basin into an inland reservoir,
which can then be used for water sports and
performance events, as well as all sorts of water
recreation activities.
To encourage community involvement, PUB has formed a team
to consult with its “3P partners” —
the people, private, public sectors —
to elicit advice, ideas and suggestions for all the possible
activities and offerings that this new “three-in-one”
playground can host.
“It is an initiative that will add to Singapore’s
water supply, reduce flooding and increase our
quality of life,” explains Mr Thoo.
He adds: “This is a wonderful resource for the
nation and it is important that our people have a
strong sense of ownership and shared
responsibility for this project and our environment
as a whole.”
PUB has started talks with other public
agencies like the Urban Redevelopment Authority,
Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Sports Council
and People’s Association. It will soon involve
private sector companies like water tour operators
and event organisers, as well as those from the
people sector, such as professional organisations,
non-government organisations and recreational
associations.
An avid in-line skater, Mr Thoo is counting
down to the day when he will be wheeling away
beside the Marina Reservoir, with the city skyline
as his stage set.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime project and I am just so
thrilled to be part of it,” he enthuses.
This article was first published in Milieu. To
subscribe or to download Milieu, visit www.mewr.gov.sg/milieu. |
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