A record number of 131 co-located events took place alongside the Singapore International Water Week, adding buzz to the week.
Key co-located events of the Singapore International Water Week 2011 include the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum, the launch of the Asia-Pacific Water Safety Plan Network, the opening of the Aquatic Science Centre and the official opening of the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs.
The World Cities Summit Mayors Forum saw over 30 Governors and Mayors from all over the world gather to discuss best practices on “High-density, High-liveability” development strategies and urban solutions. It also presented networking and collaboration opportunities with other city mayors, CEOs of Singapore public agencies, chiefs of international organisations and leading urban experts.
The official launch of the Asia-Pacific Water Safety Plan Network marked the beginning of an exciting collaborative journey for all stakeholders involved in the delivery of safe drinking-water to communities through the water safety plan.
Conceptualised since June 2010, extensive work has gone into the consultation with various stakeholders, advocacy in regional conferences and the development and collation of a knowledge base to make this Network relevant to organisations or individuals interested in implementing or support the implementation of water safety plans.
The first of its kind in Asia, the S$6.4 million Aquatic Science Centre will bring together environmental scientists, social scientists, engineers and policy makers to develop integrated and sustainable approaches to urban freshwater management. More than just a research facility, the Centre will also be used for training, sharing knowledge and public outreach. Built strategically along a park connector, the Centre advocates an open research facility concept, enabling the public to get a clear view of all research activities being carried out in the facility. There will also be opportunities
for schools and the general public to visit and interact with the researchers, and share the passion and appreciation for sustainable water management.
Singapore’s water supply got a boost with the opening of the Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs in north-eastern Singapore. With that, Singapore now has 17 reservoirs. Created by the damming of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon, the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs will collect rainwater from estates and areas within Punggol and Sengkang, and parts of Hougang and Ang Mo Kio. Together with the Marina Reservoir, they increase the water catchment areas from half to two-thirds of Singapore’s land area.
A plethora of other co-located events including meetings, conferences, workshops, award ceremonies, launches, media events, networking receptions and water activities also kept the delegates engaged throughout the week.
