Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
“Education, Enforcement & Empowerment”
Last Sunday two Waterways Watch Society members were walking along the pathway between the Cruise Centre and the Marina South Pier (See photos above). The greenery of the place was pleasing and it was gleefully filled with weekend picnickers enjoying the open space, the shades provided by the trees and the wonderful breeze. However, on closer look of the area, the ground was badly littered with bottles, cans, cigarette butts and boxes and plastic containers and many more. Is this not a park also? People were openly smoking.
While walking and gazing at the sad condition, the members were reflecting on what they saw. Is this what we would like visitors to see? What can be done? Yes, we have NEA cleaners to do the job of cleaning up. Incidentally they saw two cleaners doing their work while the picnickers went about their merrymaking oblivious to their presence. The question is whether is this a sustainable way to keep our island free of litter?
Waterways Watch Society opine that we need Education, Enforcement and Empowerment to see us through to maintain the image of a clean city rather than a cleaned city.
In summary, the following activities were done for the week:
- We conducted 5 CSR programmes comprising 3 Boat clean-ups, 1 Bike clean-up, 2 Foot clean-ups and 1 Kayak clean-up. They were attended by a total of 217 participants and together they collected a total of 192 kg of litter.
- We conducted a virtual presentation to 46 participants from the Ministry of Manpower.
- This week a total of 106 members were involved for CSR/VIA programmes, talk, patrols, administration, housekeeping duties and training and, the total trash collected = 258 kg.
- Boat Patrol. A total of 6 Boat patrols were carried out; 3 at Marina, 2 at Punggol and 1 at Lakeside.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 4 Bike patrols were carried out; 2 at Marina, 1 each at Punggol and Lakeside.
- Kayak Patrol. We conducted 1 Kayak patrol at Kallang
- Foot Patrol. No Foot Patrol was conducted at Pang Sua.
- Pedal boat Patrol. -1 Pedal Boat patrol was conducted at Marina.
- Physical Bike and Boat Clean Up Orientation for New Applicants. This was not conducted.
- Boat Tour for Frontline workers. We conducted a boat tour for a Frontliner at the Marina.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
1. Educational Programmes
2. Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
d. Pang Sua Pond
No Patrol.
e. Yishun Pond Patrol
No Patrol.
