Nov 7, 2010 - Straits Times
PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday opened the Sengkang Floating Wetland in Punggol Reservoir, which is designed with a 'fruitful' theme.
Among the features are a mangosteen pavilion and orange seats. The wetland is a floating structure which is half the size of a football field - the first of this scale to be built in Singapore.
PM Lee said about 18 specially chosen wetland plant species have been planted in the area. These plants take in nutrients and pollutants through their roots, cleansing the water naturally.
As wetland also provides a habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife, Mr Lee said NParks has noticed more birds and dragonflies since the project was completed.
In his speech, Mr Lee said despite population growth and increasing urbanisation, Singapore has actually increased our green cover. It now has an extensive water network, spanning 17 reservoirs, 32 major rivers and more than 7,000 km of canals and drains.
He said two more waterways are being developed at Bishan Park and Alexandra Canal under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme, and will create new community spaces which are clean, pleasant and bustling with life and activity.