Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
A Fishing Day at the Marina?
1. This week, especially the weekend, looked like it was a field day for the fishermen. They gathered along the water edge and continued to do what they liked best, nonchalantly, in spite of being told to stop. Some, whom we had the opportunity to be close enough to engage, would plead ignorance and move to the authorised zones. It makes us wonder whether the current arrangement is sustainable or should we approach this in a different manner. Signages with a four-figure monetary fine definitely does not appear to deter them and often many were seen fishing just next to a No Fishing sign. In the end, it still boils down to stricter enforcement or perhaps the Introduction of a structured education program. Nevertheless, the Waterways Watch Society will continue to do our part, faithfully. Afterall, our main thrust is spreading the message of keeping our waters clean and safe.
On the point of littering, we need to tackle contractors too, who were given the task to set up tentages and decorations for events, that they must ensure the area is free from litter after they have dismantled the tentages, etc. This was a point in the Pang Sua Pond area. Many plastic cable ties were left on the ground.
Perhaps, reflecting on the problem of littering in our water we may need to tackle it at the source. In this regard, last Saturday we revived our foot patrol at Pang Sua Pond and its adjoining Senja park. The place is set in a housing estate. Our experience is that it was good for the residents to take cognition of what we do and why we are doing it. Littering, particularly single-used plastic bags, plastic bottles and cans in the housing area and neighbourhood park can be a problem.
We will continue to spread awareness for keeping our environment and waterways clean to the young ones and engage the public at large through education and our regular patrols.
Activities for the week.
- We did not have any physical CSR/VIA programmes for good reason. The restriction set in for social distancing did not allow large group gatherings. Hence, many of the corporations have postponed their bookings to Dec 2021 and into 2022.
- However, we still managed to conduct two virtual programmes; one to new citizens and another to a school. It was heartening to note our message went well with our participants as many saw the importance of keeping our water clean and equally important, many were surprised to know that almost the whole island is used as a water catchment.
- Our President, Joo Kek conducted a virtual orientation talk to our 12 new members on Saturday.
- Our regular patrols included the following: Total trash collected = 22 kg.
- Boat Patrol. A total of 5 boat patrols were conducted; 3 at Marina comprising 8 pax, 2 at Punggol comprising 6 pax.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 2 bike patrols were conducted; 1 at Marina comprising 9 pax and 1 at Lakeside Garden comprising 2 pax.
- Foot patrol. A foot patrol comprising 3 pax was conducted at Pang Sua Pond.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
2. Educational Programmes
3. Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
d. Pang Sua Pond
