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In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived in Singapore and established a British trading outpost. For more than a century afterward, the river was Singapore's main commercial lifeline and a centre for entrepot trade. Unfortunately, it also suffered problems with congestion and pollution.
By the 1970s, the quays along the river became unable to deal with modern container shipping and trading activity gradually moved to Keppel Harbour, paving the way for the redevelopment of the river.
In 1977, a government initiative spearheaded by the Ministry
of the Environment began the mammoth task of cleaning
up the river. Following the cleanup, the Urban Redevelopment
Authority undertook the comprehensive redevelopment of
derelict areas around the river. The riverwall was rebuilt,
and a 6km |
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long promenade was constructed along both banks. The river has
been transformed from a working waterway to an attractive waterfront
environment for housing, recreation and entertainment.
Ultimately, Singapore River is a story about change. It is about how a river contributed to the success of Singapore, but through misuse, became polluted. It is about how in a seemingly impossible task, this polluted waterway, result of abuse over more than a century and a half, was made so clean in a short span of ten years that marine life now thrive in it.
The Singapore River is also about old and new lifestyles. About how old-time riverine and quayside businesses have given way to exciting recreational activities such as al fresco dining, concerts and water-sports. It is also about the dynamism of the Golden Show business area versus the idyllic charm of the quays - the unusual juxtaposition of skyscrapers with the historic remnants of our old city fabric that has become so much associated with Singapore.
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