Speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the World Water Day 2012

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning

        Singaporeans today enjoy clean, safe water at a simple turn of a tap.  But many people around the world still do not have access to safe drinking water. This is why the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development has designated 22nd of March as World Water Day, to raise awareness on the importance of preserving global water resources.  

        Singapore joins in this global effort as we gather at our reservoirs and waterways this morning. We have come a long way from the days of polluted waterways and water shortages to securing diversified sources of water from our local catchments, NEWater and desalinated water in addition to imported water. This is the result of long term planning and sustained investments in the development of infrastructure and research and development.

        Nevertheless, demand for water is expected to double over the next 50 years. Unfortunately, changing climate patterns has added to the uncertainty of our limited water supply. Even as the government continues to invest in ramping up our water supply capabilities, our water security cannot be taken for granted. We will need the collective efforts of every individual, young and old, not just to conserve water in our daily activities, but to also keep our water resources clean for long-term sustainability.

        Through PUB’s Active, Beautiful, and Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme, the Government is turning our large drains and reservoirs into beautiful blue spaces that Singaporeans can enjoy and be encouraged to take ownership of our water amenities.

        I am pleased to note that over 100 community partners have taken the initiative to organise a variety of activities at 15 ABC water sites across Singapore to celebrate World Water Day. Here at the Marina Reservoir, the Waterways Watch Society, National Youth Achievement Award, Young NTUC, and residents from the Community Development Councils have come together to clean-up the reservoir, and enjoy the water body through activities like dragon-boating and walks around the area.

        Community partners have also adopted learning trails at seven ABC water sites, where the community can learn about water and the features at these sites. For example, Primary 4 students from Anchor Green Primary School will be teaching 5-year old pre-school children about Punggol Reservoir’s biodiversity at Sengkang Floating Wetland. Through these activities, I hope that the children will appreciate the importance of keeping our reservoirs clean and not wasting water.

        Individuals have also stepped forward as guardians of the water. Mr Francis Ooi started a volunteer group called Friends of Kallang River at Bishan Park to educate residents on the importance of responsible use of the park and highlight the safety features of the river.

        I hope that more organisations and individuals will come forward to take ownership of our water resources to raise awareness of the environmental impact of pollution and promote responsible use of our precious water resources. Through such community efforts, we can overcome the constraints of our water supply as we have done in the past, and make Singapore into a City of Gardens and Water for everyone. 

        I wish everyone an enjoyable time as you and your families participate in today’s activities.