Singapore Scouts Clean Up River
In line with the long term strategic direction of the Singapore Scout Association (SSA), the Northeast Area under the leadership of Assistant Chief Commissioner Tan Tek Tin has adopted Sungei Punggol (two years initially) as a strategic partner of PUB under Our Waters programme (an initiative oby PUB, the national water agency).
Launched by Dr Lam Pin Min, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, the adoption aims to inculcate in our Scouts the importance of valuing waters by keeping our waterways and water catchments clean. More than 300 Scouts participated in the launching. They were involved in the following activities: Riverbank Clean up, Waterway Cleanup and House-to-house visits to conduct public education on DIY water-saving kits.
Sungei Punggol has been chosen because it lies within the boundary of the Northeast Area of SSA. The river is in close proximity to 48 primary and secondary schools with Scout Groups. The project will eventually involve some 1,500 Scouts in the Serangoon and Tampines Scout Districts.
During the period of adoption, the Scouts will visit the river regularly for cleanup activities. A roster will be drawn up so that all the Scouts will be able to participate in the project and also attend activities and programmes conducted by PUB.
As a community outreach initiative, besides working closely with PUB, the Scouts will also work with Anchorvale Community Centre whose new premises will be located on the bank of Sungei Punggol.
The Assistant Chief Commissioner of Northeast Area, Mr Tan Tek Tin, Said "The adoption of Sunghei Punggol is the first to be undertaken by the Singapore Scout Association. I hope the Scouts will become more aware that it is everybody's responsibility to safeguard this precious resource. If this project succeeds, more Scouts may take up the challenge to adopt other rivers or reservoirs."
Mr Yap Kheng Guan, PUB's Director of 3P Network explained that Sungei Punggol will soon be converted into a reservoir and welcomed the Scout association's effort committing to take care of the river under PUB's Our Waters programme.
He added that the extensive network of young members from the various schools in the vicinity, the adoption will certainly help to further develop the bonding with waters among the young who will eventually learn to cherish the precious water resources. He expressed hope that in the process, they will realize their importance in keeping the waters clean and spread the message to their friends and family members.
Report by The Singapore Scout Association
Descargar una versión en PDF de esta página
