Straits Times Forum 27 Oct 08;
WE REFER to the letter, 'Will new Jurong Lake be eco-friendly?' (Oct 14).
We would like to assure Ms Charlotte Leong that, in realising our vision for Jurong Lake District as a unique lakeside destination for business and leisure, we are working to ensure that any new developments around Jurong Lake will not seriously affect the natural ecosystem and water quality.
As part of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) project for Jurong Lake, PUB is carrying out dredging works to deepen the lake. The dredging works have stirred up sediment and caused the water to turn muddy. This is temporary and we will remain sensitive to the environmental impact of such works. A silt curtain has also been installed around the area being dredged, to minimise the amount of silt polluting the surrounding water.
Under the ABC Waters programme, a waterfront promenade, water feature deck and boardwalks will allow people to get closer to water. A geyser in the main water body of Jurong Lake will help to aerate and circulate the water. This will not disturb or affect the natural habitats in the area. Wetlands will be introduced along certain stretches of the banks to soften the shoreline, as well as create a conducive habitat for birds and other aquatic life to thrive. There will also be storyboards to showcase the development of Jurong Lake.
When completed, the ABC Waters project will not only enhance the aesthetics of Jurong lake, but also allow water-based activities such as kayaking to be conducted in the main water body.
As the Jurong Lake plan is still conceptual, we will continue to work closely with other government agencies such as the National Parks Board and the private sector to ensure that Jurong Lake will be developed in a sensitive and sustainable manner. We will also consider the necessary mitigating measures to minimise any potential impact to the ecosystem when the final plan is implemented.
Tan Nguan Sen
Director, Catchment and Waterways
PUB
Lim Eng Hwee
Assistant Chief Planner & Director (Physical Planning)
Urban Redevelopment Authority
