ECONOMIC VALUE OF IMPROVEMENT IN WATER QUALITY THROUGH ABC WATERS FEATURES IN PUNGGOL WATERWAY

Abstract

Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters is a programme run by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Singapore to improve the urban storm water management system, beautify the landscape and enhance the social cohesiveness of the society. This study measured the economic value of improvement in water quality through ABC waters features. Using the contingent valuation method, this study surveyed residents who live in the vicinity of Punggol Waterway on their willingness to pay for the ABC Waters features if they had not been built. Face-to-face interviews were carried out with 429 respondents in Punggol. Generally, respondents supported the implementation of ABC Waters features. The results of this study can assist policy makers in making informed decisions when formulating economic policies regarding the portion of tax revenue that can be used to finance the ABC Waters features.