LITTER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
WWS continued operations throughout the reporting period despite intermittent haze and adverse weather conditions. PSI levels at Marina generally remained within the moderate range, allowing most patrols and programmes to proceed as planned. Volunteer participation remained strong across all locations, demonstrating continued commitment from members despite challenging environmental conditions.
Litter collection figures fluctuated significantly over the reporting period, with waste collection decreasing temporarily before rising sharply in subsequent weeks. While the reduction was encouraging, the overall volume of waste collected highlights the persistent issue of littering within Singapore’s waterways. Members also observed a prolonged algae bloom in Marina Reservoir, raising concerns about water quality and the need for continued monitoring. The discovery of dead fish further reinforced concerns regarding the reservoir’s environmental condition.
277
Member
Patrols
29
Corporate + School
Programmes
Patrols
LITTER COLLECTION EFFORTS
Patrol teams maintained regular operations across all areas and removed substantial amounts of litter from the waterways. The Pang Sua team in particular encountered exceptionally high litter volumes, requiring multiple rounds of waste disposal during the reporting period. Despite ongoing cleanup efforts, large amounts of trash continue to be observed in the reservoirs and waterways. Hopefully the relevant authorities and resident committees can look into this and improve direct engagement with their residents. Afterall, a sustainable environment for a safer and cleaner place is everyone’s responsibility.
ILLEGAL SMOKING
Numerous cases of illegal smoking were observed, particularly around Marina Reservoir. Members engaged offenders and provided educational reminders regarding regulations, with all individuals complying when approached. We continue to engage where possible and update NEA on our encounters via our Weekly Report.
ILLEGAL FISHING AND SAFETY CONCERNS
Illegal fishing continued to be a recurring issue throughout the reporting period. While most offenders complied when engaged by members, several individuals refused to do so. In one incident, a group of young fishers verbally abused members when approached. Patrol teams also observed offenders relocating to alternative prohibited fishing locations after being engaged, demonstrating a continued disregard for regulations. Unsafe behaviour was also noted, with some individuals sitting or standing beyond safety railings and underneath bridges, placing themselves at risk of falling into the water. This remains to be our challenging problem for PUB and WWS. Perhaps, the PUB can engage through the schools directly on Good Fishing Habits!
14
New Members
Completed Orientation
Litter Collected
239
Marina
42
Punggol
26
Pang Sua
75
Lakeside
382
Total KG
Total Pieces of Litter Collected (Patrols)
2635
2170
Plastic
425
Metal
40
Glass
Plastics, Styrofoams, Snack Wrappers, Plastic Cups, Water Bottle, Plastic Round Tray, Candy Box, Fish Lure, Kayak Paddle, Fly Swatter, Pouch, Mask, Balls, Tennis Balls
Metals, Smoking Items, Sharp Objects, Heavy Plastic Hose, Bar, Lighters, Damaged Vacuum Cleaner, Fishing Items, Signboard
Sunglasses
Programmes
CORPORATE AND SCHOOL ENGAGEMENTS
Programme activity remained high throughout the reporting period, particularly during the school holiday period when corporate participation was strong. One corporate programme was unable to proceed outdoors due to a lightning warning and was replaced with indoor educational presentations and Kahoot activities. Although the alternative activities were well received, both participants and facilitators acknowledged that they could not fully replicate the outdoor cleanup experience. Several programmes were also postponed, cancelled, or shortened due to weather and haze conditions.
INTERNATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
WWS hosted a delegation from Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment, conducting the entire engagement in Mandarin. The session included active discussions and a productive question-and-answer segment. Meetings were also held with students from Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) who are collaborating with WWS on a project, as well as representatives from Temasek Polytechnic exploring opportunities to expand sustainability-related programmes with the organisation.
MEMBER DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING
Training and development opportunities for members continued during the reporting period. Closed-deck kayak practice sessions were conducted for members and attracted a healthy turnout. Boat driver training was also conducted over the weekends, providing trainees with practical operational experience and exposure.
Corporate
22
CSR Physical
–
Corporate Talk
740
Participants
Schools
7
VIA Physical
–
Assembly Talk
198
Participants
Total Pieces of Litter Collected (Programmes)
5946
4532
Plastic
1343
Metal
71
Glass
Plastics, Styrofoams, Wrappers, Snack Wrappers, Water Bottle, Plastic Cups, Plastic Lid, Plastic Flower Pot, Plastic Spool, Plastic Canister, Plastic Signboard, PVC Water Container, Plastic Pipe, Earphone Case, Mobile Phone, Fish Lure, Picker Ball, Tennis Ball, Ball, Hairbrush, Comb, Mask, Candy Box, Crate Box, Long Pole Float, Lantern Handle, Dome
Metals, Smoking Items, Sharp Objects, Fishing Items, Bicycle, Cooler, Screw Driver, Cloth Hanger, Artificial Rose Stem, Fishing Net Tie, Sinker, Hook, Spoon, Signboard, Lighter, Cigarette Filter, Computer Mouse, Key, Bottle Opener, Pickleball, Trolley
Glass Bottle, Glass Object, Sunglasses, Broken Pieces Of Glass
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS
Members continued to observe significant algae growth in Marina Reservoir throughout the reporting period. The presence of dead fish was also reported, adding to environmental concerns regarding the reservoir’s condition.
UNUSUAL ITEMS RECOVERED
Among the items recovered from the waterways were a kite and a framing services signboard. These unusual discoveries, together with the large volumes of litter collected weekly, serve as reminders of the diverse types of waste entering Singapore’s waterways.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Public engagement remained an important aspect of WWS operations. Members regularly engaged illegal smokers and fishers, educating them on regulations, environmental responsibility, and safe conduct near waterways. Most individuals responded positively and complied with the guidance provided.
ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS
WWS continued promoting environmental stewardship through school programmes, corporate engagements, volunteer activities, and international exchanges. Discussions throughout the reporting period reinforced the importance of personal responsibility, proper waste disposal practices, and broader community involvement in protecting Singapore’s waterways. Through these engagements, WWS continued its efforts to encourage behavioural change and foster a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all.