1. In the 1970s, the river would haveother boys diving and swimming at the mouth of the highly polluted river.

Rubbish and waste covered the surface of the blackish water and a foul smell perpetually stained the wind – until the massive clean-up operation of the late '70s began, transforming the river into a shiny, gleaming waterway. In the late 1990s, people frequently visiting Boat Quay and Clarke Quay for food, drinks and entertainment. In just a few short decades, the shophouses and godowns had become restaurants, pubs, karaoke joints and discotheques. The bumboats had been replaced by passenger cruises.  

Singaporeans of all ages now enjoy clean, tree-lined streets, orderly housing estates, shiny malls and skyscrapers. 

2. The legacy of the Singapore River is preserved through a continued focus on balancing its heritage with modern use, a strategy managed by stakeholders like the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). This is achieved by maintaining conserved historic buildings, integrating new developments that are mindful of the past, and managing the riverfront as a vibrant lifestyle destination for recreation, housing, and commercial activities. The river's transformation is ongoing, with continuous efforts to manage the area and enhance its appeal, ensuring its historical significance is celebrated while adapting for the future.