SINGAPORE - A 230m stretch of a canal in Bukit Batok has undergone a facelift, giving residents a "mini" green corridor to hang out at.
The new Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) @ Bukit Batok Canal, located along Bukit Batok West Avenue 2 and 4, was officially opened on Saturday (Feb 20) evening.
Costing $400,000, the project was completed in just over a year and is part of national water agency PUB's efforts since 2006 to transform Singapore water bodies beyond their utilitarian purpose.
Following the makeover, the formerly bare canal now has an array of flowers and plants lining and abutting its walls, while four rain gardens help with rainwater runoff.
Timber seats have also been built along the waterway, which PUB hopes will encourage the community to "enjoy the verdant views" while bonding with fellow residents.
Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources and Hong Kah North MP Amy Khor, who attended the opening, said: ""ABC Waters has creatively turned a stretch of the Bukit Batok Canal into a 'mini' green corridor with lush plantings that enhance and add value to our living environment.
"By tapping on the spaces next to and around the canal, residents can now hang out with their families and neighbours by the waterway, while learning about rainwater runoff, water quality and biodiversity at the rain gardens," added Dr Khor, who is also Adviser to Hong Kah North grassroots organisations.
To date, 32 ABC Waters projects have been completed, PUB said.