Our Mission
" If we lack the knowledge
to keep water pure, then it makes sense to control those factors that
we know cause problems with water and to protect nature... Water is
integral to supporting and maintaining life on this planet as it moderates
the climate, creates growth and shapes the living substance of all
Earth's creatures. It is the tide of life itself, the sacred source."
--- David Suzuki, The Sacred Balance ---
To formulate and implement an on-going action plan to assist
in keeping the waterways of Singapore clean and free of pollution.
To initiate and organize on-going activities aimed at educating
the public on the importance of keeping the waterways clean.
Short Term Strategy (First Five Years)
We proposed to run the "Waterways watch" on a one year pilot project. This
pilot project was launched in September 1998, the month which the 1987 clean
rivers project commemorative celebration was held. Some of the activities
included free rides on the patrol boat and a display of river activities (
e.g. water skiing, canoe races and fishing).
By the end of the fifth year in 2004 (after our one year pilot project),
it is hoped that WWS be able to invite Citizens' Consultative Committees and
Community Development Councils located in (around?) the Singapore River
and the Kallang Basin Catchment, work with or join the "Waterways Watch".
Interested grassroots and residents will be introduced to work done by the
society, such as experiencing river patrol work. On a bigger scale,
grassroots and residents could also be mobilized to carry out canal
waters, river banks, and beach clean-ups as well as participate in
recreational activities such as family day-cum-picnic at the Kallang Basin
man-made beach, swimming carnivals and water telematches.
Students and youths are another important target group not to be missed.
For the primary school students, "Waterways Watch" volunteers would organise
either a school educational program at its location or even a discovery tour
of the waterways to educate our younger generation about river life during
their school holidays. For the secondary school students, workshops could be
organised to provide students with information which covers the sources of
water pollution, how it is identified and what is being done by the
government and "Waterways Watch" to keep the waterways clean. For the junior
college and tertiary students, they could serve as seasonal volunteers who
could assist in organizing river activities for schools during their
holidays. There is also the possibliity of including CIP work with various
organisations especially the universities and relevant organisations.
Besides students and youths, river activities can also be organized for
senior citizens and the handicapped. All who have participated in river
patrol activities could be given a souvenir which would remind them of the
need to keep our waterways clean.
Long Term Strategy
The long term plan would include :
- Extending the boundaries for "Waterways Watch"
- Opening more rivers and major canals
- Adopting a stretch of the waterway located within each CDC
- Starting a newsletter for "Waterways Watch"
- Help recruit and set-up "Waterways Watch" associate volunteers
within each CDC
- Work with CCCs, CDCs and various government agencies in
formulating strategies for protecting our waterways; Work with all water
sports to include key values in helping keep our waterways litter and
pollution free while enjoying
- Recruiting true "Waterways Watch" volunteers from schools, junior
colleges and tertiary institutions; expand our Water Rangers numbers.
- Starting a "Waterways Watch" web page on the Internet
- Making "Waterways Watch" activities part of the MOE’s
community development programme
- Setting up a "Waterways Watch" network in Singapore (target a
minimum of 100 volunteers by 2005)
- Establishing a link to the international "River Watch Network"
(for exchange of ideas and joint projects)
- Creating opportunities to make our waterways a fun place for
family recreation and one of Singapore’s leading tourist attractions.
Scope of Work
Initially our society started out with boat patrols. We have since expanded our work and shifted our focus to involve mainly education and outreach programmes. Our current goals:
- To patrol the rivers and their catchments and report any pollution found to relevant authorities for action e.g. PUB and MPA
- To formulate strategies protecting the waterways through joint actions with relevant bodies
- To carry out public education on the importance of keeping our waterways and riverbanks clean through public participation activities
- To develop and implement programs for schools, corporations, senior citizens and the disabled
- To create opportunities to make the waterways a fun place for family recreation and one of Singapore's leading tourist attractions.
- To help relevant authorities expand and market 3P programs
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