Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Marina Barrage Gets World's Biggest Water Pumps

Source : The Straits Times, Aug 29, 2007










TWO years after it was launched, the Marina Barrage looks set to be in operation by year's end.

Already, 80 per cent of the construction work is completed.

Marking this milestone, PUB, Singapore's water agency, unveiled the world's biggest water pump facility at the dam.

The Marina Barrage will be Singapore's 15th reservoir to store 10 per cent of the country's current water demand.

Related Video Link - http://tinyurl.com/3dh68v
Marina Barrage - The finish line is near

Two years after it was launched, the Marina Barrage at Marina Bay - which will create Singapore's biggest reservoir - will be up and running by year's end.

Already, 80 per cent of the construction work is completed and to mark this milestone, PUB, Singapore's water agency, unveiled the world's biggest water pump facility at the dam.


It will also act as a tidal barrier and relieve flooding in low-lying areas like Chinatown, Boat Quay, Jalan Besar and Geylang.

But apart from its functionality, the Marina freshwater basin will also serve as a recreational and tourist attraction, when the public can enjoy water sports, concerts and even walk along the Barrage.

Keeping the basin's water levels steady are seven water pumps and nine crest gates.

The pumps, each weighing 28,000 kilograms is equal to the weight of 400 men.

These drainage pumps will discharge water from the reservoir to the sea in the event of heavy rain and high tide.








Based on Singapore's annual rainfall pattern, PUB estimates that up to three pumps would be used five times a year.

Said PUB's director of 3P Network, Mr Yap Kheng Guan: 'With the pumps and gates, sea water will not become an influence in our drains and canals.'

The Marina Barrage is expected to be up and running by the end of this year.

The public will also be able to visit the Visitor Centre by July next year.

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