From canal to lush waterway

Karen Ng Channel NewsAsia 18 Feb 12;

SINGAPORE: In a first for Singapore, a canal in Bishan Park has been transformed into a lush waterway.

The S$76.7 million project by national water agency PUB and National Parks Board (NParks) made use of bioengineering techniques to create a natural river out of concrete.

The Kallang River now meanders through Bishan Park, and park users can enjoy recreational activities along the river banks.

Designed on a floodplain concept, the river can hold 40 per cent more water than before.

The river's meandering route will also slow down water flow during heavy rains.

An alert system is in place to warn park users of rising water levels.

PUB 3P Network director George Madhavan said: "When it rains, the warning sirens will go on, announcements will be made, blinker lights will also go on. The river is expected to rise quite slowly.

NParks said the river has resulted in more species of flora and fauna in the park.

NParks assistant CEO Kong Yit San said: "Birds like the water hen, the little egrets, the purple heron, the scaly-breasted muneers, they all have come and set up home at Bishan Park."

The rejuvenated park is expected to see more than three million visitors a year.

One park user said: "I think I'll come here more often. I will bring my kids, let them see the surroundings, the greenery and the river.

"With the changes in the park, I think I'll visit here more often," said another.

Bishan Park, which was closed since October 2009 for the improvement works, will officially reopen in March.

- CNA/wk