SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said
Singapore will have enough water for itself even if there is no new
water agreement when its second Water agreement with Malaysia
expires in 2061.
Under the second water agreement that was signed in
1962, Singapore is allowed to draw up to 250 million gallons from
the Johor River.
Mr Goh said investments in technology and water
infrastructure will enable the country to continue its drive
towards self-sufficiency.
He said: "When Singapore gained independence, we were almost
totally dependent on imported water from Malaysia. Today, we are
much less dependent. And come 2061, we will have enough water for
ourselves if there is no new water agreement when the second Water
Agreement runs out.
"Besides imported water from Malaysia, we have water from local
catchments, NEWater and desalinated. We will continue to expand the
water supply to meet the needs of the our population and growing
economy."
Mr Goh was speaking at the celebrations for World Water Day at the
Marina Barrage on Sunday morning.
He was joined by some 8,000 participants. Among them were religious
leaders from Singapore's Inter- Religious Organisation (IRO) that
had collaborated with national water agency PUB to commemorate IRO
Day in conjunction with World Water Day.
Amid the celebrations, Mr Goh and religious leaders held a minute
of silence to remember the earthquake and tsunami victims in
Japan.
They also flew a 24 square metre kite at the Green Roof to launch
the IRO's kite festival. Kites representing the different faiths in
Singapore were given out to participants for donations to be
channelled to Mercy Relief in their relief efforts in Japan. The
IRO's collaboration for the event, was also to showcase the
connection between how "Faith and Water" are linked.
Celebrations for World Water Day were also held in seven other
locations, including Jurong Lake and MacRitchie Reservoir.
This year's celebration, involving some 20,000 people islandwide,
is the biggest thus far.
-- CNA/ac
