A chance to enjoy Kallang River thanks to A, B, C

SINGAPORE — Residents living along the Kallang River between Upper Boon Keng Road and Sims Avenue now have more ways to enjoy the riverfront with new boat-shaped viewing decks and a wider promenade for taking in the evening breeze.

The S$3.8 million improvements, which took one-and-a-half years to complete, comes under Singapore’s national water agency PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme, which aims to transform the nation’s water bodies beyond their utilitarian function.

At ABC Waters@Kallang River, the pathway for cyclists and pedestrians have been doubled to 6 metres wide, and now has in place of stairs, making it easier for cyclists and wheelchair users to access the riverfront.

The new viewing decks, with a design inspired by the masts of early sailing vessels which used to ply the river, are expected to become the new landmarks in the area. Two rain gardens, which will detain and cleanse rainwater that run off the promenade before it gets discharged into the river, can be used as outdoor classrooms for students.

Kong Hwa School has already ‘adopted’ the space, with a plan to design an ABC Waters Learning Trail to augment its curriculum for students. Kolam Ayer Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) also has plans to use the area to hold various grassroots events to promote community bonding.

The project was officially opened on Sunday (Jan 22) by Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.

Further upstream at Sungei Whampoa, a second ABC Waters improvement has also been completed. The S$1.8 million remodelling took one year, and is expected to be officially opened on Feb 26.

This ABC Waters @ Sungei Whampoa project includes a lookout deck, seating, a boardwalk and a rain garden along the 450m stretch of the river between Kim Keat Road and Central Expressway (CTE).

“We hope through the enjoyment of these places, residents can develop a sense of ownership towards our waters and understand also the importance of having to keep our waterways clean,” said Cheng Geok Ling, PUB’s deputy director of sustainability.