Boat users and fitness enthusiasts excited about PUB
plan, but others fear loss of area's peace and quiet
By Maria Almenoar
THE Singapore Amateur Rowing Association has been eyeing Bedok
Reservoir as a good place to organise lessons.
It has already applied twice and been turned down.
But the association might just get lucky the third time: The Public
Utilities Board wants to open up the reservoir for water sports
such as canoeing and kayaking by the end of the year.
The PUB told The Straits Times it is now seeking partnerships with
agencies to start these activities.
And rowing association president Nicholas Ee, 56, says he is going
to try his luck again.
'Bedok Reservoir is a great location because it is near schools and
homes,' he said. 'It would be a great way to promote water
sports.'
To control pollution, the PUB says it will allow only non-motorised
boating activities - canoeing, sailing, kayaking, rowing and dragon
boating.
Currently, people can take part in water sports at the Pandan,
Lower Seletar and MacRitchie reservoirs.
The Singapore Canoe Federation, which trains the national squad at
MacRitchie Reservoir, said it is also interested in Bedok Reservoir
and even wants to hold international races there.
Its secretary-general, Mr Henry Sim, 49, said: 'It is a sheltered
reservoir, where the water level is low and the water is protected
from the wind. There is also a slope that allows spectators a good
view of the whole reservoir.'
But while water sports groups are excited about the development,
regular park users The Straits Times spoke to are worried about the
noise the sports will generate.
Ms Jancy Wong, 32, a secretary who lives in Tampines, takes walks
at the reservoir with her husband twice a week.
She said: 'There are already other places where people can do water
sports, but there are very few quiet areas in Singapore. This is
one of them.'
Ms Alice Wong, 51, a cashier who exercises at the park at least
five times a week, added: 'I come here because it's nice and quiet.
The water sports will spoil that and disturb the peace.'
But the PUB said that since only non-motorised water sports are
allowed, 'it is unlikely much noise will be generated'.
And there are regular park users who are already planning to add it
to their exercise routines.
Mr Dean Osman, 27, an engineer who exercises at the park five times
a week, said he would love to add water sports to his daily
exercise routine.
'It would be great! It will liven up the park and give people like
me a chance to try a new sport.'