Nov 7, 2010 - Straits Times
PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday opened the Sengkang
Floating Wetland in Punggol Reservoir, which is designed with a
'fruitful' theme.
Among the features are a mangosteen pavilion and orange seats.
The wetland is a floating structure which is half the size of a
football field - the first of this scale to be built in
Singapore.
PM Lee said about 18 specially chosen wetland plant species have
been planted in the area. These plants take in nutrients and
pollutants through their roots, cleansing the water naturally.
As wetland also provides a habitat for fish, birds and other
wildlife, Mr Lee said NParks has noticed more birds and dragonflies
since the project was completed.
In his speech, Mr Lee said despite population growth and
increasing urbanisation, Singapore has actually increased our green
cover. It now has an extensive water network, spanning 17
reservoirs, 32 major rivers and more than 7,000 km of canals and
drains.
He said two more waterways are being developed at Bishan Park
and Alexandra Canal under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters
programme, and will create new community spaces which are clean,
pleasant and bustling with life and activity.