Weather and Litter Collection
Heavy rains disrupted several programmes and patrols this week, washing down large amounts of trash from upstream. Despite the challenges, participants still managed to experience the impact of pollution firsthand. Litter was collected from programmes and weekly Member Patrols, and members also organized a holiday kayak patrol (Hari Raya Haji). The trip upstream towards Potong Pasir was slightly disappointing for our 28 members as the waterways just before St.Andrews School were blocked, due to works done by PUB contractors. Still it was an experience for many first timers venturing so far upstream (with our safety boats ofcourse). Altogether, the week reflected the significant impact of weather on both operations and pollution levels.
17
Member
Patrols
28
Corporate + School
Programmes
Patrols
Patrols and Volunteer Efforts
Member patrols largely went on as scheduled, except on the 16th. May, the Marina’s Saturday patrol and CSR could not go out and Punggol’s Wednesday patrol which was cut short due to rain. Volunteers stepped in to help with housekeeping duties when programmes were postponed, ensuring amenities remained in good condition. On Vesak Day, Lakeside members shifted the pontoon further from shore, while the kayak patrol drew strong participation with 28 members.
16
New Members
Completed Orientation
Litter Collected
225
Marina
42
Punggol
20
Pang Sua
80
Lakeside
367
Total KG
Total Pieces of Litter Collected (Patrols)
2701
2064
Plastic
585
Metal
52
Glass
Containers, Forks, Spoons, Knives, Snack Wrappers, Lighter, Tupperware Cover, Peel Fresh Terrapack, PP Strip, Plastic Rod, Pen, Toy Pig Head, Toy Plane, Toy Aeroplane, Ultraman Toy, Plastic Ball, Plastic Bottle, Plastic Crate, Plastic Tube, Plastic Container, Plastic Bag, Plastic Sheets, Plastic Stools, Plastic Flower Pot, Milo Terrapack, Candy Container, Base Plastic Bottle, Rubber Cover, Rubber Pad, Nylon Strap, Washing Machine Pipe, Vacuum Cleaner Head, Hanger, Tote Bag, Sack, Shoe, Umbrella Handle, Stationery (Pen, Pencil, Marker), Toothbrush
Trolleys, Rods, Bicycles, Aerosol Spray Can, Allen Key Set, Bike Handle, Wire
Light Bulbs, Ceramic, Porcelain Mug, Perfume Bottle, Broken Glass
Programmes
Educating and Inspiring Communities
Six programmes were successfully held, while two were cancelled due to external reasons. Assembly talks resumed, including one at Lianhua Primary School attended by PUB staff, and continued support from Chongfu Primary School for the Waterways Watch Explorer programme at Yishun Pond. Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary, Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah and Huamin Primary School also participated, with Huamin students sending heartfelt thank‑you cards to facilitators. Pacific International Lines joined with enthusiasm, though weather forced postponement of PIL’s session with only a wet weather program done.
Corporate
15
CSR Physical
–
Corporate Talk
478
Participants
Schools
13
VIA Physical
2
Assembly Talk
1811
Participants
Total Pieces of Litter Collected (Programmes)
3818
2664
Plastic
866
Metal
43
Glass
Containers, Forks, Spoons, Knives, Snack Wrappers, Bags, Pails, Buckets, Crates, Cartons, Bottles, Terrapacks, Toothpaste Tube, Inhaler, AA Battery Casing, Tupperware Cover, PVC Hose, Chair, Dustbin, Construction Bucket, Vacuum Cleaner Head, Washing Machine Pipe, Toothbrush, Stationery, Socks, Underwear, Condom, Sanitary Pad, Fabric Sheet, Ribbon, Silicon Gel Pack, Toys (Toy Plane, Toy Aeroplane, Ultraman Toy, Toy Pig Head), Sports Items (Balls, Shuttlecock, Pickleball, Badminton Racket, Soccer Ball, Baseball, Tennis Ball, Balloon, Cap), Miscellaneous (Coat Hangers, Tote Bag, Sack, Slipper, Shoe, Glove, Broom Handle, Broken Pail, Broken Dustbin, Plastic Cover, Nylon Strap, Rubber Pad, Rubber Cover)
Trolleys, Rods, Bicycles, Allen Key Set, Bike Handle, Wire, Copper Wire, Metal Chain, Fan Grill, Fishing Hooks/Lines/Lures
Light Bulbs, Porcelain Mug, Ceramic Pieces, Perfume Bottle
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
Sightings and Environmental Concerns
This May, we saw troubling observations, including a dead terrapin and a dead fish found in a plastic bag. An unknown pollutant spill was spotted in Marina Reservoir and reported to PUB. Usual issues such as smokers, illegal PMDs and PABs persisted, and illegal fishing by youth was noted at the start of school holidays and we remain concerned that this trend would continue and even increase as we go into December school holiday month. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in protecting waterways.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS
Membership and Celebrations
Member support remained strong across sites, including Pang Sua, with 16 new members attending orientation and two retirees expressing interest to help out as weekday facilitators. Waterways Watch Society extended festive greetings for Hari Raya Haji and Vesak Day, celebrating with active participation in patrols and facility upkeep. The enthusiasm of members and schools continues to reinforce the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship. Going forward, we are hoping to obtain more sponsorship or donation from the public as funding is essential for our sustainable operation.