|
|
|
From Saturday 26 Mar 2005, the public can walk into
MacRitchie, rent a kayak and spend an idyllic time paddling on its clean and
clear waters. |
|
This is part of PUB's new initiative to have more
recreational activities at the reservoirs in its efforts to enhance the bond
between Singaporeans and water. |
|
"We want to create more opportunities for Singaporeans to
enjoy our beautiful environment and water resources. This is in line with
PUB's tagline - Water for all: Conserve, Value, Enjoy. By getting Singaporeans
to play in water, we believe this would help them to develop a relationship
with water and want to be a guardian of this precious resource by valuing and
conserving it," said Mr Yap Kheng Guan, PUB's Director of 3P Network. |
|
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water
Resources, officiated the opening of a kayaking centre named The Paddle Lodge,
as well as flag off a kayak and dragon boat regatta on Saturday 26 Mar 2005. |
|
Besides renting out kayaks to the public, the Paddle Lodge
- a pilot project by PUB and the Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF) at
MacRitchie Reservoir -- will also cater to kayak training for schools and the
national team. |
|
Chua Kee Huat, President of SCF, said: "We are pleased to
work with PUB on The Paddle Lodge at MacRitchie Reservoir and happy that PUB
has provided us with new playgrounds for water sports. I hope that while
enjoying all these water sports, our young can see the direct link between the
clean waters and their daily habits. I urge all water users to be mindful of
the need to keep our environment and waterways clean so that they can continue
to have fun in the waters." |
|
Added Mr Yap: "There are 14 reservoirs in Singapore and
besides the rain water falling directly onto the reservoirs, a large part of
the water collected comes from the catchment area around each reservoir. Most
of us are living in a water catchment area. This makes it important for us to
keep our drains and canals litter-free as they channel rain water to our
reservoirs. By keeping our waters clean, we can play in the water that we
eventually drink from," added Mr Yap. |
|
|
|
The Paddle Lodge has kayaks for people with varying skill
levels; from sit-on-top kayaks for first-timers to recreation kayaks for those
with one-star certification. |
|
Safety guidelines are in place and include briefings for
kayakers by the Paddle Lodge, provision of safety boats during activities and
the requirement to wear a life vest when in the water. Kayakers under 12 years
are to be accompanied by an adult. |
|
Rental rates for the sit-on-top kayak (single and double
seaters) is $10 an hour per kayak. The rate for the single-seater recreation
kayak is $15 for two hours. There are altogether 12 sit-on-top kayaks and five
recreation kayaks. The Paddle Lodge will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am
to 6pm. |
|
A public survey held last October showed that 80 per cent
of 2,000 respondents were in favour of PUB's plans to have more recreational
activities at the Bedok and MacRitchie Reservoirs. PUB will look into
introducing more water-based activities in other reservoirs such as Bedok,
Pandan, Upper Seletar and Lower Seletar. |
|
Source:
Public Utilities Board Press Release 23
Mar 2005 |
Kayaking at MacRitchie Reservoir
