Tania Tan, Straits Times 1 Nov 08;
A YEAR ago, the Kallang River beside Kolam Ayer was a big, concrete, dirty storm drain.
Today, lush flora line the waterway, a spice garden sends its fragrance through the air, and a graceful floating platform on the river bank draws nearby residents to community celebrations.
They are giving two thumbs up to the $2.5 million makeover of the 200m stretch. Since its opening in March, it has been a centre of activity for residents, who gather to celebrate occasions such as National Day and the Mooncake Festival.
Community participation has gone up by about 30 per cent, compared to before the revamp, said the river's management committee head, Mr Chiang Heng Liang.
'The river gives residents something to rally around and call their own,' he said.
The waterfront was given a complete overhaul last year under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waterways programme spearheaded by national water agency PUB.
Kolam Ayer and the Bedok and MacRitchie reservoirs are part of the project's first phase, costing $23 million in total.
'The river used to be an eyesore and dirty,' said Mrs Esther Lim, 50, who has been living in the area for more than 20 years.
'It's so pretty now,' said the childcare teaching assistant. 'It's like those private condo ads with expensive waterfronts.'
The success of the Kolam Ayer pilot, which is the first community-maintained water project, gives residents at Bedok and MacRitchie reservoirs something to look forward to when their own projects open early next year.
The waterfront, which was developed by PUB, is maintained by residents and volunteers. They prune the plants in the spice garden, keep the area tidy and organise community events.
Despite early 'teething problems' like stolen water wheels, Mr Chiang feels the community has grown from strength to strength.
He has enlisted the help of residents to keep a watch on quick-fingered passers-by from their apartments overlooking the river.
Mr Chiang is also in talks with several companies to sponsor kayaking activities for schoolchildren, like those in St Andrews Secondary School, along the waterfront. Bendemeer Primary and Bendemeer Secondary schools also conduct river patrols and clean-ups.
Volunteers like Madam Ho Gui Zhu feel the waterfront has breathed new life into the community.
'Many residents here are old and poor, so they don't always have television sets at home,' said the 60-year-old, who has been a volunteer with the committee for over a year.
'Activities are a good way for them to get out and have some fun.'
