Marina barrage brings fun to flood control
Excitedchildren pose with a giant walking loaf of Gardenia Bread as Water Wally looks on
Who knew that a tidal barrier that pumps billions of gallons of water per day could become a choice location for Singaporeans to spend their lazy Sundays?
I was certainly skeptical when I visited the Marina Barrage for the first time while covering Singapore International Water Festival (SIWF) on the 27th of June. However, I was proven wrong. The enthusiastic crowd of more than 3,000 visitors certainly transformed the normally sedate water facility into a hub of activity and action.
On top of the exciting water races, such as the dragonboat races and the logic-defying ‘Walk on Water’ race, many others chose to chill out at the Green Roof and enjoy the stunning view of downtown Marina. Kites of various shapes and sizes were also seen darting about in the wind. Also spotted at SIWF were orchestral performances, rock-climbing activities as well as a giant walking loaf of Gardenia Bread that dished out free Gardenia rolls!
For me, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery truly won me over. Did you know that the nine vast 70-tonne crest gates of the Barrage are positioned within a 2-millimetre accuracy of one another? The 3D replica of the Marina Barrage explained exactly how the Barrage worked.
It was through this interactive Gallery that I discovered the Barrage’s importance in helping to alleviate floods, especially in low-lying areas. This is especially crucial in flood-prone Singapore where recently, some notorious flash floods affected many business and brought life to a standstill. According to Dr Amy Khor in Todayonline.com, without the Barrage to let our excess stormwater, the flash floods could have been much worse!
Posted by Jenny Ganeshrays, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
MalcolmHallsworth
Wonders of Water
Jenny’s appreciation of the tidal barrier, a great feat of aquatic engineering, is to be commended. Water engineers, figures of veneration in ancient Rome, are all too often overlooked today.
Jenny’s in good company however. Take a look the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World, as chosen for a BBC television series (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/seven_wonders_01.shtml). Bazalgette’s London sewerage system and the Hoover Dam, two mighty feats of water engineering, make the final seven. Credit where credit’s due.
Keith Morrison
Great link, thanks Malcolm
Jenny Ganeshrays
What a revelation! definitely wisdom passed through the ages
Brandee Stephens
Wow … the SIWF seems like a great event! I’m glad so many people (3,000!) showed up.