HAZE IMPACT ON OPERATIONS
Despite a strong line-up of CSR activities, haze conditions significantly impacted operations over several weeks. At one point, numerous CSR programmes were scheduled, but several were postponed and another was cancelled due to internal miscommunication, resulting in only a portion of the planned programmes being delivered. A total of 12 was cancelled/postponed this month. The haze continued to affect future bookings and current programmes, with repeated postponements recorded over consecutive weeks. Fortunately, conditions eventually improved, allowing programmes to resume without further cancellations.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
WWS successfully delivered customised River Monster programmes for Farrer Park Primary School, conducting indoor sessions featuring the Singapore Water Story presentation and Kahoot activities for multiple classes. Volunteer recruitment also remained strong, with many new potential members attending orientation, including a sizeable group of students from Zhenghua Secondary School following an outreach effort at their school.
319
Member
Patrols
19
Corporate + School
Programmes
Patrols
STRONG MEMBER PARTICIPATION
Member participation remained strong throughout the period, with a wide variety of patrol activities conducted across Bike, Pedal Boat, Garden and Boat patrols, alongside multiple boat training sessions.
PATROL ADJUSTMENTS DUE TO HAZE
While haze conditions forced the cancellation of some patrols, particularly at Punggol, members continued contributing through office maintenance and housekeeping activities. Marina and Lakeside patrols proceeded with reduced participation when weather conditions permitted.
CLEANER WATERWAYS OBSERVED
At Kallang, members reported cleaner-than-usual conditions in some patrol zones, which was encouraging news. Families with children were also increasingly seen participating in clean-up activities, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship across generations.
21
New Members
Completed Orientation
Litter Collected
287
Marina
25
Punggol
43
Pang Sua
61
Lakeside
416
Total KG
Total Pieces of Litter Collected (Patrols)
3625
2843
Plastic
654
Metal
128
Glass
Balls, Boston Child’s T-Shirt, Nerf Darts, Baby Croc Shoe, Plastic Container, Pickleballs, Tennis Ball, Football, Shuttlecock, Insecticide Spray, Slipper, Plastic Packages, Plastic Filter, Rattan Ball, Flower Pot, Broken Pickle Ball, Toy Scoop, Canvas Sheet, Plastic Mesh, Marker Pen, Broken Shoe
Aerosol Can, Bicycle Bell
Glass Shards
Programmes
CSR & VIA ACTIVITIES
CSR and VIA programmes continued to create positive environmental impact despite operational challenges. Programme participants collected a substantial amount of litter during clean-up activities, demonstrating their commitment towards cleaner waterways and public spaces.
TRAINING & CAPABILITY BUILDING
Multiple boat training sessions were conducted to strengthen operational capability and member competency. These sessions ensured members remained prepared to support future patrols and programmes.
ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WWS held several meetings with prospective partners and clients, hosted students from Temasek Polytechnic working on school projects, and explored how Artificial Intelligence could support and streamline the preparation of weekly reports.
Corporate
15
CSR Physical
–
Corporate Talk
372
Participants
Schools
2
VIA Physical
2
Assembly Talk
525
Participants
Total Pieces of Litter Collected (Programmes)
3820
2867
Plastic
920
Metal
33
Glass
Plastic Balls, Balloons, Barrel, Bucket, Credit Card, Fishing Net, Flower Pot, Glue Trap, Large Foam Cushion, Nerf Gun Bullet, Pipe, Pickleball, Large Plastic Containers, Soccer Ball, Soft Ball, Tennis Balls, Toothbrush, Slipper, Condom
Bicycle, Metal Water Bottle
–
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
INVASIVE SPECIES ENCOUNTER
Marina boat patrol members netted an ocellate river stingray, which is considered an invasive species. The stingray was subsequently released back into the waters.
UNUSUAL LITTER FINDS
Among the more unusual litter items collected were a children’s T-shirt and a large concrete slab, highlighting the diverse range of waste entering our waterways.
RECORD LITTER COLLECTION AT PANG SUA
The Pang Sua patrol team encountered an alarming amount of litter during a single patrol. The collection included numerous glass bottles and shattered bottle fragments, many of which were found beneath Bukit Panjang Flyover. We urge NEA, LTA and SPF to step up enforcement, especially as our members observed people drinking alcohol under the flyover. Waterways Watch has also alerted Mayor Alex and the Town Council to these concerns.
AREA OF CONCERN
The litter situation under the flyover was so severe that members exhausted their supply of trash bags and had to end the patrol early. Observations suggested that public drinking activities may be contributing to the persistent littering problem in the area.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS
ILLEGAL FISHING CONCERNS
Illegal fishing continued to be a major concern across several sites. Multiple groups of illegal fishers were observed at Marina and Lakeside, including individuals using live bait. Many of those engaged were teenagers, and several were identified as repeat offenders despite previous advisories.
ENGAGEMENT & SAFETY
Members actively engaged illegal fishers and shared their observations with PUB. In one incident, a teenager slipped into the water while standing on rocks, highlighting the safety risks associated with fishing in prohibited areas.
F1 PUBLIC OUTREACH PATROLS
WWS partnered with the Public Health Council during the F1 period to patrol high-traffic locations including Singapore River and Clarke Quay. Led by Deputy CEO Low Joo Kek, a team of volunteers conducted multiple patrol tours over several nights, engaging members of the public on social graciousness and responsible waste disposal.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We would also like to express our appreciation to the cleaners who assisted in removing litter trapped along PUB fishing-zone buoy lines, areas that patrol members could not safely access.
VOLUNTEER DEDICATION
Throughout the period, volunteers demonstrated remarkable commitment and adaptability. Even when programmes were postponed, members readily redirected their efforts towards patrols, maintenance work, and other meaningful environmental activities, ensuring their time continued to benefit the community.
EVERY ACTION MATTERS
The challenges posed by haze, illegal fishing, and persistent littering remind us that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. Encouragingly, the enthusiasm shown by volunteers, students, programme participants, and families demonstrates that positive action continues to make a difference. Through education, engagement, and consistent community effort, we can build cleaner waterways and a more environmentally responsible Singapore.