The environment needs your support

Ong Dai Lin, dailin@mediacorp.com.sg

The vision is to create a “Sustainable Singapore” where limited resources will be used efficiently and innovatively — but community support is vital in making that a reality.

That was the message from Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), in his addendum to the President’s Address on Monday.

Technology and innovation are the keys in meeting new and emerging environmental challenges. And investing in new capabilities to reduce waste and control pollution can also “position Singapore as a global hub for environment and water solutions”, said Dr Yaacob yesterday.

But building a sustainable living environment “requires the support of the community”, noted the minister. Therefore, MEWR will reinforce partnerships with the People, Private and Public (3P) sectors to “strengthen shared ownership of our environment”.

To uphold high standards of public health and ensure good hygiene at food establishments, efforts to keep public premises litter-free will be stepped up.

Dr Yaacob also said MEWR will control pollution from industry and vehicles to ensure that Singapore’s air quality remains “among the best in Asia, and comparable with major cities around the world”.

The ministry will also expand the Active, Beautiful, and Clean Waters Programme to include more water bodies. ONG DAI LIN

From TODAY, News – Thursday, 21-May-2009