A DREAM 20 years in the making unfolds today with the opening of the Marina Barrage to the public.
This dam has created Marina Reservoir, the 15th reservoir here and the first one in the heart of the city - the most densely built-up part of the island.
More than a dam
THE Marina Barrage serves more than just to create a reservoir.
It also controls flooding in low-lying areas such as Chinatown, Boat Quay and Jalan Besar.
This reservoir and two other new ones will raise the portion of the country's land area used for water catchment from half to two-thirds.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who officially opened the facility at sundown yesterday, hailed it as an engineering feat.
He also noted that, increasing the nation's water supply aside, the barrage will also control floods and become a key venue for activities by and on the water.
The idea of damming the mouth of the Marina Channel to create a freshwater lake came from Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in 1987, when he was prime minister. That was the year the massive clean-up of the Singapore River was completed, and fish had returned to it.
Building the barrage was the next challenge he gave the nation.
With its opening, it will control flooding in the low-lying areas of Chinatown, Boat Quay and Jalan Besar.
And as it will ensure a constant water level in the reservoir, the barrage will be ideal for water sports and activities, which are fast becoming popular here.
Those who intend to stay dry may visit its food and beverage outlets, have picnics on its grassy rooftop or catch an exhibition on the pro-environment developments here.
Singapore's largest solar park, at 1,200 sq m or about a third the size of a football field, is also there - with 405 solar panels generating 'green' power for the facility.
The nearby park, christened Gardens by the Bay, will also be a magnet for visitors.
The barrage and park, together with the Marina Sands integrated resort and the new Marina downtown area, 'will add to the vibrancy and attractiveness of the city', said Mr Lee.
Ensuring an adequate and secure supply of water has long been a national priority.
'Through the concerted efforts and ingenuity of government agencies, and the full support and cooperation of the population, we have become more self-sufficient in water, and can become completely self-sufficient should we need to. We have also turned our vulnerability into a capability,' he said.
The country is now known for its expertise in water management; its water engineering companies have bagged contracts to build water facilities the world over, he told his audience of 4,000 government officials, industry players and ordinary Singaporeans.
He said: 'Besides access to clean water, we have ensured that Singaporeans can breathe clean air and enjoy green spaces. Singaporeans may take this for granted, but those who have visited or lived in other cities, especially in Asia, will appreciate how exceptional and precious this is.'
Yesterday, he also launched the year-long Clean And Green Singapore drive, which will promote recycling, cycling, tree planting and nature treks.
But Mr Lee also had a reminder for Singaporeans to be custodians of the cleanliness of their public spaces.
He said: 'It is certainly possible for people to litter at will and to deploy an army of cleaners to clean up after us.
'But this is neither desirable nor sustainable. Instead, every citizen must feel responsible for our estates, parks and other public places, to take care of them and not litter or damage them.'
