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Transformed Geylang River reopens

SINGAPORE — It took two years to transform Geylang River and now, one of Singapore’s oldest rivers has been given a new lease of life under a Public Utilities Board (PUB) programme, which revitalised the waterway while preserving the rich heritage of the area.

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SINGAPORE — It took two years to transform Geylang River and now, one of Singapore’s oldest rivers has been given a new lease of life under a Public Utilities Board (PUB) programme, which revitalised the waterway while preserving the rich heritage of the area.

The newly revamped river will be officially opened today by Guest-of-Honour Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency.

Calling it a “unique” project, PUB Director of Catchment and Waterways Tan Nguan Sen said the national water agency made sure it integrated “nostalgic elements of Geylang” into the plans in order to preserve the river’s heritage.

Like when planners weaved in architectural and landscaping elements that adopted a Malay water village concept along a 850-m stretch of the river from Dunman Road to Guillemard Road.

Details included the use of stylised stilts and posts so that shelters and railings could be designed to look like ‘kelongs’ — offshore wooden platforms built by fishermen in the past.

Then there is the gazebo near Evergreen View condominium — a rustic-style pavilion that is elevated over the waters, reminiscent of a “pondok” in Malay, a shelter for people to gather and rest in.

In its transformation, the Geylang River was also deepened and widened to increase its capacity and enhance flood protection. A natural rain garden which treats surface runoff using plants and soil was also set up to improve the quality of the river’s water.

The mouth of the river was once a bustling area of firewood trading when Singapore used to import goods from nearby regions. Until the mid-1980s, a local sea vessel building and a repair centre for boats were located at the river.

The Geylang River project was part of the PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, which transforms Singapore’s reservoirs and waterways into beautiful and clean streams, rivers and lakes.

Since the programme’s launch in 2006, over 100 potential locations have been identified for project works over the next 20 years.

As of December last year, the PUB has completed 23 ABC Waters projects, while other public agencies and private developers have completed 23 ABC Waters certified projects. At least 20 projects will be commencing in the next five years.

Next in line is the Rochor Canal project and efforts to revitalise the area will be completed by the end of this year.

Said PUB’s Mr Tan: “As residents relive their fond memories of the old Geylang along the river, we hope they will also take ownership of our waters and play their part in keeping our waterways clean and free of litter.”

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