Wetland and riverfront promenade created on former landfill

The project in the north eastern Singaporean area called Punggol Town, was opened by the country’s deputy prime minister Teo Chee Hean last week.

The former landfill along the eastern bank forms a large part of the Lorong Halus Wetland, which has been transformed into an educational site and a sanctuary for plants, birds and other wildlife.

Using bio-remediation Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, designed the wetland to collect and treat water passing through rubbish still buried in the landfill.

This process makes sure the water is cleaned before it enters the rest of the wetlands.

PUB’s director of catchment and waterways, Tan Nguan Sen, said: “The Lorong Halus Wetland will provide a new space for members of the public to enjoy not just the tranquility and greenery of the wetland.

“But also the new habitat this wetland has created for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other wildlife.

“We hope through this site, the public will understand the functions of the wetland, be drawn closer to water and in their own way help to keep the water clean.”

Luke Walsh