July 24, 2010

The walk that got me thinking

At the SIWF, I was curious as to why students were walking around the barrage under the blazing sun, in traditional costumes that were not providing the slightest cool.

I approached them. I found out that they were in the Water Walk. The student-initiated project’s main aim was actually to educate the public about how the different countries collect water, and about the scarcity of water in their countries. It differs from the boring flyers you see, because the students actually interact with the public. Having this interaction would create a deeper impression on the public because it’s always easier to remember something people said, than reading the words on a piece of paper in your mind. So, head on down to the Marina Barrage next year, if you want to see more of Singapore Polytechnic’s funtastic activities for the same festival!

http://www.siwf.sg/

Posted by Teo Guan Yeow (Noel), School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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July 24, 2010

Inspired by Mr Roland Tan

On Sunday, June 27, when I attended the Singapore International Water Festival (SIWF) at the Marina Barrage, I learnt so much more about water, and Singapore’s history with water. Water has been a big issue for this little red dot we call home, even in the past. Singapore has had problems with water sufficiency, water agreements with Malaysia, and let’s not forget the recent flash floods in the central parts of Singapore!

At the SIWF, I managed to talk to Mr. Roland Tan, the Chairman of the SIWF committee, and he talked passionately about the event and its purpose. I did not expect to see such passion in discussing water. Mr. Tan even tossed in bits and pieces of facts about the Marina Barrage and his memories of growing up in a Singapore facing problems with water sufficiency.

The amount of effort that everyone put into organising the event was amazing, and I had to admit, water is a complex issue after all.

Posted by Nuramelina Amin, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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July 24, 2010

The hidden dangers in a bowl of shark’s fin soup

“What has shark conservation have to do with saving our precious resource, water?” That was the burning question in my head when Ms Rachael See, a volunteer from Dunman High School explained to me what her game station was about-Sharks.

This happened at the Primary Schools Water Festival 2010, organised by Bukit View Primary School, held in conjunction with the Singapore International Water Week (26 June- 4 July).

Rachael explained that the frequent finning of these majestic marine animals has caused serious pollution of our waters that will affect our usage of water. These sharks are captured for their fins, and their bodies are thrown back into the ocean by the merciless hunters. Their decayed bodies not only dirties our waters but also creates an imbalanced marine ecosystem.

This emphasises WildAid’s point on the importance of sharks in our lives, and how sharks are at the pinnacle of the food chain in nearly every part of every ocean.

“Sharks groom many populations of marine life to the right size so that those prey species don’t cause harm to the ecosystem by becoming too populous,” she said.

The volunteers from Dunman High School were friendly and engaged the primary school students very well. The message that they aimed to drive across was to conserve water through tips that the students could do at home to play their part, and also save the sharks by not eating shark’s fin soup.

My family has all along not consumed shark’s fin soup due to the belief that it is cruel to the sharks. Now, I have a stronger message to spread around and educate the people around me. Not only does consuming shark’s fin harm the shark populations, it also affects the food that we depend on everyday.

Also, according to Wikipedia, consuming too much shark’s fin soup can lead to sterility in men. This is due to the fact that sharks have the highest level of mercury among fish.

Humans will always require water for life, for food, for transport. Diving, fishing and water sports are part of our lives and if our waters are polluted and sharks decimated, how sustainable will it be for all the species?

Just like how every drop of water goes a long way, every bowl of shark’s fin will make a big difference!

By Heather Chua, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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July 23, 2010

I dig walking on water!

After going to the Marina Barrage for the launch of the Singapore International Water Festival, as clichéd as it sounds, I have gained a slightly better appreciation toward the value of water.

In my opinion, I am not really sure the events held at the Marina Barrage do fulfill their aim of encouraging water conservation. Because, honestly, how simplistic is it to believe that the mere organisation of water-related sports and activities would lead Singaporeans to take a more active role towards conserving water?

Okay, nevertheless, this trip down to the barrage still opened up my eyes to one thing. That would be the “Walk On Water” Race. I found it especially fascinating because it really puts an interesting spin on the way I look at water and its many uses, which I thought to be rather uninspiring and conventional at first.

Posted by Jeannette Tan, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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July 23, 2010

Water is vital for jobs too

The launch of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) at Marina Barrage on 27 June 2010 was not what I expected it to be.

Many who were there were unaware of the event. While they partook of the beauty and the largesse of the barrage in events like dragon boating or were simply there to spend time with their family and friends, few were aware of the ongoing SIWW upon reaching Marina Barrage. It was an interesting juxtaposition.

As I chatted with them, I realized that Singaporeans, a pragmatic lot they usually are, need to be more aware of Singapore’s efforts to tackle our water shortage problem. It is an issue we grappled with in our history and will continue to grapple with as we strive to create a better economy, a better life for the next generation. Most Singaporeans are more preoccupied with education and jobs.

Saving water, on the other hand, is important if we want to continue to prosper. I realized how vital water is to Singapore and how the government is doing all they can to ensure that our future generation has sufficient water supply.

Posted by Ikmaliah Idi, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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July 23, 2010

Singapore River – then and now

A slight shower on Sunday morning had just ended and the weather was perfect for a day out. I headed down to the Marina  Barrage for the Singapore International Water Festival. Before I could enter, there were already streams of people walking out and I overheard a teenage boy saying in Singlish, “Nothing much, what, this place!” I thought this was going to be a huge mistake until I entered and saw the Marina Barrage bustling with so many activities.

Loud music was blaring through giant-sized speakers as I explored Marina Barrage. The boy who made the remark on his way out obviously had not visited the Sustainable Singapore Gallery on the second floor, which completely changed my perception of water and its importance, particularly here in Singapore.

There were more old photographs as I walked through the gallery. One photo that is still in my head is the picture of a salon being flooded. What made it peculiar was that the people in the picture were unfazed, as if frequent floods were expected then. We certainly have come a long way. And today when the Orchard Road area is flooded once in a blue moon, it is treated as completely unacceptable. Honestly, we should be thankful that this does not happen every day thanks to PUB’s efforts in water management.

Nothing much? Well, think again.

Posted by Sharina Nair, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

This being my first time visiting the Marina Barrage, I felt lost at first but the gallery took me to a whole new place where I saw Singapore in her younger years and how water in Singapore has ‘matured’ since. The feeling was indescribable as I saw black and white pictures of the Singapore River years ago. Today, the Singapore River looks very tempting to dive into, especially in this blistering heat. To think that it was once a place where sewer waste was dumped into… Care for a dive anybody?

Singapore River, then

Singapore River, now

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July 23, 2010

Protect nature = protect water

I went to the Mediacorp Guided Walk, organised by PUB and Mediacorp, expecting to cover the more concrete areas of the reservoir.

What I didn’t know was that the guided walk consisted of a 45 minute trek in a nature trail. None of us were dressed for trekking and it had just rained the night before so I have to admit, we weren’t all that excited when we found out about that part of the walk.

I wondered what exactly the plants had to do with the water in MacRitchie so at the end of the session, I decided to ask the guide.

She brought up a very interesting point on how the forest is not there just because it is visually pleasing. It also contributes to the water cycle in the form of evaportranspiration, defined as the loss of water to the atmosphere from the earth’s surface by evaporation and by transpiration through plants by the US Geological Survey Washington Water Science Centre . The evaporation of water from plant leaves also add to the moisture level in the atmosphere. This is important as the forest itself acts as a natural water catchment, where four reservoirs are located.

So remember, we have to do more than stop wasting water to reduce water shortages! We also have to protect nature which does its part to help ensure sufficient storage of water. The forest is vital for our survival.

Posted by Rachel Chan Ruiyu, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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July 22, 2010

Making a difference at home first

A view of the fun from above

As I walked around the Marina Barrage during the Singapore International Water Festival like a hawk swooping on potential interviewees for my News Writing assignment on the event, I found myself getting distracted by the various goings-on. Digressing from my initial goal, I checked out the sights and sounds with a photographer friend.

Water Wally made a guest appearance!

I learnt how our government managed to make a two-decade-old plan come to pass, and how our independent water supply is crucial to our nation.

I continued my initial mission and interviewed a couple of youths. Sadly, they did not appreciate the festival at all and they were nonchalant about water and water management. I felt a little down after the interviews, and went in search of “older” people who would answer my questions about water.

Here I'm interviewing some Republic Poly dragon boaters

A lecturer from Singapore Polytechnic and the Youth Olympic Games venue manager for the Barrage kindly chatted with me, and their reaction was vastly different from the youths’. They spoke about water management and even shared with me how they personally applied those tips to their own lives and how they managed to change their families’ thinking as well.

I left the interviews feeling a little happier as I finally got positive responses from people who genuinely acknowledge and appreciate the efforts put into saving water for the community. However, it is up to us youths to realise the importance of water and come out with new and innovative strategies to preserve a valuable natural resource.

It’s time for our generation to take the baton and run with it.

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July 22, 2010

Making a big splash about water

Through the Singapore International Water Festival held at the Marina Barrage, I have learnt that it is more than about a barrage and making use of it to manage our water resources (lifestyle attraction, controlling of floods and water supply).

The planning that PUB needed to go through has been detailed. With this event, it has united Singapore and many other countries to share ideas and develop better management in conserving and managing a very precious resource on Earth. It is definitely a good collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic and the 21 other secondary schools to promote the importance of conserving one of the very precious natural resources – water. The activities help to get more youngsters to be more aware of the need to conserve water.

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July 22, 2010

Start by turning off the faucet

The visit to Marina Barrage for the Singapore International Water Festival (SWIF) was truly an eye opener for me. As I watched dragon boaters race in the water, and members of the audience drink water from their water bottles, I could see the importance of water. Despite the fun and the apparent frivolity of water play, I realise that water is more precious than people make it out to be and the Singapore government has invested heavily in ensuring a good supply for the next half century.

Due to the lack of awareness, however, people are unaware that Singapore is running out of water at a rapid rate. We need to change mindsets and reform habits. It is crucial for us to do our part to conserve water as it is a finite resource. By simply tightly turning faucets off and not letting water run unnecessarily from taps, we can use water wisely and hence, not waste it.

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